Ashlin Joshua "Josh" Kuizinas

Ashlin Joshua Kuizinas, known to many simply as A.J., Josh, or "Koozie," was a man whose presence filled every room with energy, humor, and love. To his wife and children, he was the center of their world, and to his friends and co-workers, he was a brother and a steady hand they could always count on. On Wednesday, September 3, 2025, at the age of 38, Josh's journey on this earth came to a close, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to live on in the countless lives he touched.

Visitation will be held at Groesbeck Funeral Home on Friday, September 12, 2025, from 6:00-8:00 p.m.

Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at the First Baptist Church of Jewett (509 Division St., Jewett, TX 75846), with Reverend Allen Crosby officiating and the burial will follow in Old Union Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Carter Kuizinas, Conner Kuizinas, Benjamin Smith, Justin Farmer, Marquise Garraway, Jack Burns, Bart Wood, and Jeb Thornhill.

Honorary Pallbearers are Brian Smith, Chris Smith, Dustin Marrs, and Jared Hawthorne.

Josh was born on February 1, 1987, in Decatur, Illinois, to Amber Kuizinas and the late Steven Todd Cox (who passed in 2008). He grew up in Smithville, Texas, which he always considered his hometown. A proud graduate of Smithville High School's Class of 2006, Josh excelled in sports including football, tennis, and cross-country. He went on to play quarterback for the Sul Ross University football team in Alpine. Even from a young age, Josh had a heart for others, shown through his time as a camp counselor at Camp RYLA in Smithville and as a mentor for the Boys and Girls Club "Pals." He later played semi-pro football with the Anderson County Roughnecks.

Josh married Dannielle Jade Downey on September 7, 2012, in Leon County. Together, they built a home filled with love and laughter in Marquez, raising their children Carter, Conner, Ava, and Audrey.

Josh spent much of his career in the oil field in West Texas, building his success from the ground up. He worked every job in the field, never afraid to get his hands dirty, and set the example of what hard work and determination looked like. Known as "Koozie," he earned deep respect from his crew through his exceptional leadership, meticulous attention to detail, and his self-made success. He insisted on keeping the rigs spotless, worked hard, and treated everyone with fairness and respect. Fierce when it came to safety, he was also deeply family-oriented, often organizing holiday meals, birthday celebrations, and heartfelt surprises for his crew when they couldn't be home.

At home Josh thrived in creating joy for his family. He loved cooking and preparing lavish spreads for holidays and gatherings, always with his own signature touches-especially his famous spaghetti. To his wife, he was "My Love" and "Papa Bear and Babe," while to his children he was simply "Daddy." Audrey affectionately called him "My Babe."

Josh and Dannie shared many passions, from playing on co-ed softball and volleyball teams-where she nicknamed him "Big Juicy"-to traveling, competing, and cheering on his favorite teams, the Texas Longhorns and the Dallas Cowboys. He loved family game nights, coaching his kids' sports, baking sugar cookies at Christmas, and finding ways to make every holiday special. Whether showing up to the bus stop in an inflatable T-Rex costume, planning date nights with precision, or organizing movie marathons on the projector screen, Josh poured his creativity and joy into making memories.

Known for his generosity, Josh never hesitated to brighten a stranger's day. He quietly paid for servicemen and policemen at restaurants and once bought every box of Girl Scout cookies from a little girl who hadn't sold many, just to brighten her day. His faith in God was strong. He was growing in his walk with Jesus year after year and believed wholeheartedly that there was so much more gained when giving in contrast to receive.

Josh also had an entrepreneurial spirit. Together with Dannie, he started Koozies Party Rental business, providing jump houses, water slides, and foam parties that brought joy to countless families and celebrations.

Josh was preceded in death by his father, Steven Todd Cox, and his grandparents, John T. Kuizinas as well as Jody and Sheryle E. Shank.

He is survived by his wife, Dannielle Kuizinas of Marquez; his children, Carter, Conner, Ava, and Audrey; his mom and stepdad, Amber and Michael Ready; his sister, Jessica Cole, and her children, Brantley and Giana; his brother and sister-in-law, Benjamin and Sarah Smith, and their children, Zaley and Owen; his sister, Alyshia Smith, and son, Gabriel; and his sister, Faith Smith.

He is also survived by his mother- and father-in-law, Tina Peck and Clint Adkinson; his sister-in-law, Elissa, and husband Justin Farmer, with their children Emery, Jack, and Jerran Jo; his brothers-in-law, Brian and Chris Smith; his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Amber and Ken Shuck, and their children, Kaden Kroll, Kinsley Wilson, Arabella Wilson, Paige, Riley, Kendle and Haven Shuck.

Josh's love for his wife, children, nieces, and nephews knew no bounds. His heart was enormous, his laughter contagious, and his presence unforgettable. Though his time here was far too short, the way he lived - working hard, loving deeply, giving selflessly, and filling ordinary days with joy - will remain in the hearts of those who knew him. His legacy is not only in the memories he leaves behind, but in the love he poured into his family and friends, which will carry on for generations.