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Tanis S Linares, affectionately known to many as "Sonny," passed away in Texas on June 16, 2026, at the age of 68. Born in San Antonio, Texas on October 2, 1957, Tanis was the son of Estanislado and Dolores Linares. He grew up in a vibrant household as the second oldest of five children, sharing his childhood with his sisters, Gloria, Debbie, and Cindy, and his brother, Tom. From his young childhood and into his teenage years, Sonny was actively involved in his local church, proudly serving as an altar boy and building a strong foundation of faith. He eventually relocated to Virginia, where he spent at least twenty meaningful years building a life and community before ultimately returning to reside in Texas. A proud veteran, Sonny dedicated 10 years of honorable service to the United States Navy. Following his military career, he continued to protect and build his community through his work in security and construction. Sonny was a naturally funny man who loved nothing more than sharing a good laugh, and he was known by all for his endless supply of classic "dad jokes" that could brighten any room. He was a social soul whose favorite meeting place was a local spot just like Cheers—a place where everybody knew his name and he could always count on catching up with good friends. Above all else in his life, Sonny loved his daughter, Sonya, more than anyone or anything in this world. Even though she was in Virginia and he was in Texas, they shared an unbreakable, deeply cherished bond, often spending hours on the phone simply talking, laughing, and catching up. Sonny was also a man who took great pride in his independence; he loved riding the local transit buses everywhere he went, genuinely enjoying the rhythm of the routes and the freedom it gave him. Outside of his travels, he was happiest kicking back with a loud, action-packed movie—though he famously preferred to leave the programming of the TV and any other tricky electronics to anyone else in the room. Sonny was married to Brenda Linares, and together they shared a deep, lifelong bond and two children. Sonny is survived by his wife, Brenda Linares; his daughter, Sonya, and her husband, Foot; his grandson, Walter; his sister, Gloria Figueroa and her husband, Phillip; his sister, Debbie Villegas and her husband, Robert; his sister, Cynthia Delgado and her husband, Chris; his brother, Tom; his friend, Larry; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Sonny was preceded in death by his grandmother, Filomena Padilla; his parents, Estanislado and Dolores Linares; his beloved child, Tanya Marie; his beloved niece, Melinda Villegas; and his beloved aunt, Adelina Guzman. Visitation will begin on Thursday, July 9, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with a rosary to begin at 6:30 p.m. at Palm Heights Mortuary. Funeral service will be held on Friday, July 10, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at St. James Catholic Church followed by a committal service with military honors at 2:45 p.m. at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.

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Mr. Tanis S. Linares

October 2, 1957 - June 16, 2026