Dates
Kenneth Earl "Kenny" Cansler, 29, passed away on Sunday, September 20, 2026, in San Angelo.
Public viewing will be from 10:00 AM until 8:00 PM Friday, October 2, 2026, at Robert Massie Funeral Home. Funeral service will be 10:00 AM Saturday, October 3, 2026, at Grace Temple Baptist Church, 105 Guthrie St, San Angelo, Texas 76901, with Pastor Christopher Sweet, pastor, officiating.
Mr. Cansler was born June 24, 1997, in San Angelo where he was a lifelong resident. Kenny's life was not always an easy one. He faced struggles throughout much of his adult life, including battles with mental health and addiction. Those struggles were part of his story, but they were not the whole of who he was. To those who loved him, Kenny was a son, grandson, brother, father, nephew, cousin, and friend. He was someone who stumbled, searched, hoped, and continued to long for a better path.
As a boy, Kenny was happiest when he was active and outdoors. He loved exploring nature, fishing, kayaking, and playing sports, especially baseball, basketball, and football. He also participated in the Little Olympics, where his natural abilities and competitive spirit allowed his star to shine brightly.
As an adult, Kenny enjoyed working out, studying the Bible, and, most importantly, spending time with his children. In more recent years, he found comfort and hope in Scripture, particularly in the Psalms. His faith in our Heavenly Father became deeply meaningful to him, as did Jesus' parable of the Prodigal Son-a story of wandering, returning, forgiveness, and a father's unconditional love.
Kenny hoped that one day he could use the difficult chapters of his own life to help others. He spoke of wanting to minister to young people, to share his story of finding peace in our Heavenly Father, and perhaps help someone else avoid some of the mistakes and struggles he had experienced himself.
Kenny is survived by his grandmother, Brenda Merriman; his mother, Dannielle Durkay and husband Brian; his sister, Kayla Baughman and husband Aaron; his brother, Malachi Merriman; his uncle, Wesley Perry and wife Kelly; his aunt, Lynn Thornton and fiancé Jim Messina; his best friends, Ashley Bodine and husband Colby; and his children, Kensley Cansler, Atlas Jordan, and Stetsyn Burney. He is also survived by many cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his grandfathers, Ronnie Merriman and Artis Cansler, and his father, Jason Cansler.
Kenny's story ended far sooner than his family ever imagined or wanted. There were chapters filled with joy and promise and others marked by pain, mistakes, and struggles that those who loved him desperately wished they could take away. But his family chooses to remember the whole person-the little boy who loved sports and the outdoors, the father who loved his children, and the man who continued searching for peace, redemption, and purpose.
The parable of the Prodigal Son held special meaning for Kenny, and today it brings comfort to those who loved him as well. It tells of a child who had wandered far from home and a father who, upon seeing him returning in the distance, ran to meet him and welcomed him with open arms.
It is with that image that Kenny's family entrusts him to God: no longer struggling, no longer running, and finally home.
"The Lord redeems the life of his servants; none of those who take refuge in him will be condemned." Psalm 34:22
Kenny was loved. He will be mourned. He will be remembered. And his family will hold tightly to the hope that, in the arms of his Heavenly Father, he has finally found the peace he searched for in this life.