In Loving Memory of Joseph Milton Cade, Jr.July 30, 1973 – October 21, 2025 Age 52 | Resident of Katy, Texas

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Joseph Milton Cade, Jr., a resident of Katy, Texas. He was 52.

Joe was born in Lindsey, California, on July 30, 1973, to Joseph Cade, Sr. and Janie Dignam. From an early age, Joe’s boundless energy led to his first great love—the drums. By age three, he was performing with his musical family at churches and community events in Porterville, California, where he was raised.

A graduate of Monache High School (Class of 1991), Joe excelled in soccer, cross-country, and track, sang in the Concert Choir, and continued honing his drumming skills in the Monache Jazz Band and Marching Band. He was also a natural comedian and impersonator, known for filling any room with laughter through his stories and sharp wit.

Joe’s raw musical talent carried him into a professional career spanning several bands, U.S. tours, and performances at legendary venues such as LA’s Troubadour and Whisky A Go Go. He even earned a spot on the Swimfan movie soundtrack with his final band, Allergic. Joe, who made Los Angeles his home for many years, loved entertaining audiences—often playing barefoot and occasionally smashing a cymbal or two in half during the show. As one follower of his band said, "I've never seen anyone attack a kick pedal or a snare drum like Joe." Watching Joe perform was truly magical.

Eventually, Joe longed for a life beyond Los Angeles and the stage. He found it in Houston, Texas, where in 2012, he met the love of his life, Kristy Konvicka. They married in 2014 and built a life rich with travel, music, laughter, and love—surrounded by family and friends who adored them both.

In 2022, Joe was diagnosed with a rare, progressive neurological condition known as Adult-Onset Leukoencephalopathy with Axonal Spheroids and Pigmented Glia (ALSP). Throughout his illness, Kristy was Joe’s devoted care partner, loving and caring for him until the end.

“We can live in fear of the inevitable end of the story we’re telling, or we can be motivated to wring out every single drop of joy out of the time we have left.” — Tyler Knott Gregson

We are forever grateful to Joe for choosing joy, even in the face of hardship. His art, humor, compassion, and love touched countless lives, and his legacy will live on through the memories and music he leaves behind. Joe was a truly unique soul—tremendously gifted and endlessly creative. How thrilling it was to be in his orbit.

Joe is preceded in death by his father, Joseph Cade, Sr., and his stepfather, Charles “Duffy” Dignam. He is survived by his beloved wife, Kristy Cade (Katy, TX); his mother, Janie Dignam (Porterville, CA); his brother, Jeff Cade (Porterville, CA); his sister, Kim Cade (Beth Richie, Morro Bay, CA); as well as his cherished in-laws, aunt and uncle, cousins, nieces, nephews, and many dear friends across the country.

In place of flowers: The family asks that donations be made to a memorial fund benefiting Joe’s wife, Kristy, and to help support ongoing medical care for Joe’s brother, Jeff, who is also living with ALSP. Contributions can be made through this page or through this link: www.gofundme.com/f/joe-cade-m…. For those wishing to make a broader impact, we invite you to contribute to the United Leukodystrophy Foundation (ULF) in Joe’s honor at ulf.org/donate. The ULF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to supporting individuals affected by leukodystrophies—a group of rare genetic disorders (including ALSP) that cause progressive degeneration of the nervous system.

Two Services Will Be Held with Receptions to Follow:

October 29, 2025 (Wednesday) 10-11 am Visitation, Rosary 11 am, Service 11:30 am Guardian Angel Church - 5610 Demel St., Wallis, TX 77485

November 15, 2025 (Saturday) 10 am Service Porterville Church of the Nazarene - 2005 W. Olive Ave. Porterville, CA 93257

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