After graduating from Shorewood High School in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Billy studied Public Relations and Advertising at Syracuse University.

He moved to Los Angeles where he worked in the film distribution business, eventually starting a marketing consulting firm for the film distribution industry. He changed gears and spent several years in St. Paul, Minnesota, where he used his administrative magic at two children’s mental health clinics. He greeted every kid by name and brought joy and affirmation to their lives. They knew Mr. William really cared about each of them. Eventually he relocated to Columbus, where he made a lasting impact through his dedicated community involvement.

Billy served as Executive Director of the Columbus Chamber of Commerce and held leadership roles in the Columbus Texas Lions Club, the Rotary Club and A Better Columbus. His passion for the town extended to his enthusiastic support of the Columbus Santa Claus Museum, his performances in the Live Oaks Dead Folks Annual Cemetery Tour, and his breathing new life into the Magnolia Festival and Country Market. He was also an active member of Columbus Pride.

Billy’s personality was loving, magnetic, mischievous, fun, and delightfully quirky. To know him was to love him — he made lifelong friends everywhere he went. His infectious joy, radiant smile, and generous heart touched countless lives. Always eager to help those in need, Billy was a pillar of support and kindness in his community. An adventurer at heart, he loved traveling — whether

■ KAHN, 7 to a foreign country or simply to the Verizon store. He had an extraordinary gift for building connections, and made everyone he knew feel like they were his best friend.

Billy cherished art, theater, and collecting unique trinkets. He found joy in the little things, like leftover egg foo young and lively games of “this is the spoon.” His signature look included colorful, mismatched socks and he never turned down a free T-shirt. He loved to cook and enjoyed creating full Thanksgiving meals for family and friends. Billy had a special bond with animals, sharing his life with many beloved dogs, including his most recent companions, Leland, Penny and Paisley.

He is preceded in death by his mother, Louise Hartmann (Fred) Hertz, his father, Charles F. (Jeanne) Kahn Sr., his brother, Henry “Hank” Kahn, and several treasured friends. He is survived by his dear friend John Claiborne Cowan; his brothers, James (Michele) Kahn and Charles (Patti Keating Kahn) Kahn; his nieces and nephews, Jennifer (David) Kahn-Pettigrew, Brian (Raizel) Kahn, Gregory (Samantha) Kahn, Megan (Trevor) Spradlin, Jamie (Brant) Bolding, Bridgette (Peter De-Toro) Keating and Brenda (Mark) Szumski. He was a proud “Grunkle” to eighteen great-nieces and great-nephews and had countless friends across the globe who were like family, as well.

Billy’s legacy of love, laughter, and community spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. A celebration of Billy’s life will be held on Saturday, March 15, from 12 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Hound Song Brewing Co., 535 Walnut St., Columbus 78934. Feel free to wear bright, colorful clothes, mismatched socks and a wizard or a jester’s hat.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Billy’s name to Texas Lions Camp, 4100 San Antonio Highway, Kerrville or Columbus Santa Claus Museum, PO Box 817 Columbus.

Online condolences may be given at www.hennekefuneralhome. com.