Juan Jose Cantu

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Juan Jose (Joe) Cantu, Sr. on July 16, 2024, at the age of 72.

He was a devoted husband, beloved father, grandfather, dedicated friend, and an extraordinary individual who touched the lives of many. He had inseparable bonds with his children and will be deeply missed.

He was proud to be from his loving, small hometown of Sarita, TX. The youngest of eight, born on October 25, 1951. He proudly served his country in the US Army, fought in Vietnam as an infantry soldier, demolitions expert, and was an Army recruiter. He enjoyed coaching baseball and softball when his kids were younger. He was passionate about music and started playing drums at a very young age. He played for many bands, including Joe Mejia y Los Compadres, Chano Cadena, Ruben Naranjo, and Ted Lopez y Grupo Recuerdo, Corpus Christi Le Mans band, just to name a few. He also recorded with Bego Records, Freddy Records, Hacienda Records, and Ideal Records. He retired from the Corpus Christi Army Depot after 44 years. He enjoyed fishing, riding on his boat, BBQs with his family, and countless trips to Las Vegas and Kickapoo. He was a member of the American Legion, Knights of Columbus, and attended St. Martin’s Catholic Church. He lived a fully blessed life.

He is preceded in death by his parents Antonio G. and Maria Elena Cantu; brothers, Enrique (Henry) Martinez, Tony Cantu, Pete Cantu, and Armando Cantu; and sisters, Nena Durbin and Lupita Hasette.

Left to cherish his memories are his wife of 52 years, Maria Cantu; daughters, Melissa Cantu-Mitchell (James) of Harlingen and Jenny Cantu of Corpus Christi; son, Juan Jose Cantu, Jr. (Maricela) of Kingsville; and brother, Benny, Sr. (Pearl) of Corpus Christi; grandchildren, Jesse Dakota (Cody) Salinas, Alexandria Cantu, Austin Salinas, Aaron Mitchell, Josh Mitchell, Juan Gabriel Cantu, and Alayna Cantu. He also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews that he dearly loved.

The family will receive condolences from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, at Turcotte-Piper Mortuary; with a holy rosary to be recited at 7:00 p.m. A mass of christian burial will be celebrated at 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 24, 2024, at St. Martin Catholic Church. A rite of committal and interment with military honors will take place at 2:00 p.m. at Coastal Bend State Veterans Cemetery, Corpus Christi, TX.