Ben Cantu Jr.

BEN CANTU JR. Ben Cantu Jr., born on July 17, 1935 in San Antonio, Texas and passed away on August 22, 2008 surrounded by his wife and children. Ben is survived by his wife and best friend of forty-nine years, Beverly Buchanan Cantu. Ben graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in 1954; he then attended Texas Lutheran College on a football scholarship, and is an alumnus of St. Mary's University. In Ben's career he always worked for the number one brewery in Texas: Pearl Brewery (El Paso), and Schlitz (San Antonio & Rio Grande Valley). He went on to own Border Beverage, Inc., the Miller Brewing Company Beer Distribution Company, which encompassed five South Texas counties. Under his direction, Border Beverage received many industry awards for excellence and achievement culminating with the prestigious Miller Masters Award as the #1 Miller Distributor in the State of Texas in 2000. Ben moved to Laredo in 1980, and forever fell in love with South Texas. He had a love of playing golf and cards with all of his friends at the Laredo Country Club, especially, his good friends Pancho & Ramon Salido. His love for the South Texas outdoors was enjoyed while hunting with his family and friends at the hunting camp of Somosiete. He also enjoyed boating and fishing at South Padre Island. Ben never met a stranger, and he leaves many friendships from Thomas Jefferson High School, St. Mary's University, the 19th hole of the Laredo Country Club, the Star Dusters, Jake's, Cosmo's, and the Cadillac Bar. Ben embodied the traits of John Wayne and he lived a life writ large. He was a great friend, father, grandfather, joke teller and fantastic dancer with his lifelong dance partner, Beverly. Ben selflessly gave his time and contributions to community institutions and charitable causes. Some of the most notable were to L.I.F.E. Downs, the Zapata County Fair Association, many FFA participants, the Laredo Art League, the Laredo Parks and Recreation department, and the Laredo Women's City Club. Ben is preceded in death by his parents, Bennie and Audrey Cantu, his sister Lucille, his brother-in-law, Gene Williams, and his granddaughter, Cameron Cantu. Ben is survived by his four children all from San Antonio, Texas: Traci C. Tracey (Paul), Vince Cantu (Chooch), Mark Cantu (Chantal) and Rick Cantu. Also by grandchildren who adored him: Lauren and John Tracey, Allegra, Castille and Cullum Cantu. And while she is not a biological sibling, Rosa Hernandez, a member of our family who cared for Ben so well. Ben is also survived by his siblings, Audrey Williams (Jerry) and Aida Alonzo (Tony), and Tony Cantu (Susan) all of San Antonio, Texas. He is also survived by his favorite aunt, Annie Zamarippa. A rosary will be recited on Monday August 25, 2008 at 12:30 p.m. in the Hillside Funeral Home Chapel. Visitation will be from 11:00 to 2:30 p.m. A San Antonio graveside service at Mission Burial Park North Cemetery on 20900 IH-10 West will be held on Tuesday August 26, 2008 at 2:00pm for family and friends in San Antonio. The family would like to thank the following people for their support, and professionalism throughout this process: Dr. Leo Cigarroa of Laredo, the UT Health Science Center, especially Linda Hubbard. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions are made to the Bethany House of Laredo and the American Cancer Society in Ben's name. HILLSIDE FUNERAL HOME Laredo, TX 78041 (956) 724-6060