Sean Michael Maness

Sean Michael Maness, 44, peacefully departed this life May 3, 2026, in Kerrville, TX, surrounded by his family. He was born in Freeport, TX on Jan 14,1982 to Steve & Bernadette Maness. His relationship with his brother was extremely close, and they called themselves "the buddas." Sean's interests included camping, barbecuing, traveling, and woodworking. He loved change, surprises, self-improvement, and taking career risks. He was patient, gentle, kind-hearted, and had an exceptional memory. Sean was the most disciplined and focused person we have ever known. 

 Fascinated with the trumpet early on, he left home at 14 with hopes of becoming an orchestral player. He graduated from Interlochen Arts Academy in Interlochen, Michigan in 2000, earned his Bachelor of Music at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, NY in 2004, followed by a Master of Music degree from University of Houston in 2008.

In his spare time, he worked as a freelance musician, subbed with some renowned groups including the Houston Symphony, Ambient Brass, Canadian Brass, and the Texas Brass Ensemble andtaught private trumpet lessons.

In the fall of 2008, Sean began doctoral studies in Trumpet Performance at Arizona State University. Before he could write his dissertation, he won the audition for Principal Trumpet with the Hyogo Performing Arts Center Orchestra in Hyogo, Japan in 2010. After signing a 3-year contract, Sean headed for the Japanese islands where he met and later married his lovely wife, Xiaolei Kan.  In 2013, the newlyweds returned to the States and set up their new life together in the Dallas area.

Though Sean loved his time with the orchestra and was proud of his achievements, he was led to change direction. He wanted to help others overcome their obstacles so they, too, could live their dreams. He had struggled with severe performance anxiety as a young musician, until he learned self-hypnosis. What began as a personal breakthrough evolved into a passion for helping others.  Sean graduated as a Certified Hypnotist from the Hypnotherapy Academy of America in 2016 and earned the professional title of Certified Medical Support Clinical Hypnotherapist from the International Board of Hypnotherapy in 2020.

 In Sean's desire to be an even better therapist, he completed a Master of Arts in Professional Counseling degree from Amberton University in Garland, TX in 2024, and became a Licensed Professional Counselor in 2025. He was a top-rated counseling and hypnotherapy professional in the Dallas area who truly loved his clients and helping them succeed.

Sean is survived by his parents, Steve and Bernadette Maness of Kerrville; his brother, Chase Maness and wife Emily Ramirez of Chicago, Illinois; grandmother, Lanell Maness of Franklin, TX; aunts and uncles, Teresa Peck of Alpine, Frances Quarles of Weimar, Laurie and Jimmy Turner of Franklin, Bernard Peck of Katy, and David and Anna Maness of Angleton.

Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on July 11, 2026, at the chapel of First United Methodist Church, located at 321 Thompson Drive in Kerrville.

The family extends a special thank you to the compassionate caregivers at Hill Country Memorial Hospice in Fredericksburg for the care and kindness shown to Sean and his loved ones.

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