Juan C. Cantu, Jr.

Juan C. Cantu, Jr., 102, entered into eternal rest on November 8, 2022, at his residence in Lasara, TX. He was born at the San Martin Ranch in Willacy County on March 27, 1920, to Juan and Beatriz Cantu.

It was the highlight of The Great Depression when he started a job with the US Government, The Civilian Conservation Corps, otherwise known as CCC Camp in Arizona during the late 1930s. Through his employment, he excelled as a typist. In 1942, he was drafted into the Army of the United States at the age of 22. He was stationed in Fort Sam Houston, Texas, in late October for basic training. Soon after basic training, Mr. Cantu traveled to New York City to set sail overseas, first landing in Scotland then down to England. While in England, Mr. Cantu’s exemplary typing record became noticed by superiors. The best two typists were chosen; one from New York City, the other from little old Lasara, Texas. He was dismissed from pulling guard duties and became a clerk typist. Mr. Cantu was a part of the 13th Medical Depot Company where he worked on military correspondence, reports, requisitions, and medical supply orders. He remained a typist throughout the duration of the war. 

After England, Mr. Cantu crossed The English Channel with the greatest precaution into the northern part of France. All the soldiers were warned about the neighboring enemies in Germany. June 6th, 1944, is a date Mr. Cantu never forgot. The Invasion of Normandy, France, also referred to as D-Day, was the largest amphibious attack the United States had experienced. Mr. Cantu was in the midst of the invasion based 5 miles behind the line.   

After 1 year, 10 months, and 20 days overseas, Mr. Cantu found himself aboard a ship longing to be home with his family, looking up at a billboard that read, “USA, 3000 miles.” It would take 12 long days to travel across the Atlantic on a military ship with 10,000 soldiers before setting foot on American soil again. Private First-Class Juan Cantu, Jr. served 3 years in the United States Army protecting the freedom of this great nation. Along the way, he earned the European-African-Middle Eastern Medal with 3 Bronze Stars, Good Conduct Medal, 1 Service Stripe, 3 Overseas Service Bars, and the Army Meritorious Unit Award for his brave service, the Invasion of Normandy, France, and The Rhineland Campaign. 

When he arrived back home, he returned to his farming duties.  Through the years, he held jobs around town, but most importantly, he devoted himself to his family. He was a beloved, husband, father, grandfather, uncle, Godfather, and friend to all. He was also known around town as the friendliest smile and never encountered a stranger.

He is survived by his sons, Rodolfo “Rudy” and Johnny (Blanca), daughters, Yolanda and Yvette, grandchildren, Jennifer (Gregorio), Stacy (Joey), Myda (Adam), and Julissa, and great-grandchild, Aly Jade as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and Godchildren. Juan is preceded in death by his parents, his loving wife of 55 years, Maria Enriqueta Cantu, his grandson, Rio, and daughter-in-law, Irma Cantu. Siblings: Adan Cantu, Raul Cantu, Manuel Cantu, Eloisa Garza, Eulalia Salazar, Lydia Lucero, Eva Rios, Maria Garcia, his beloved dog, Tito.

Visitation was held on Thursday, November 10, 2022, from 10:00 A.M. until 9:00 P.M. with a rosary at 7:00 P.M. at Good Shepherd Funeral Home. A funeral mass was held on Friday, November 11, 2022, at 2:00 P.M. at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Lasara. A funeral procession followed to his final place of rest in the Lasara Cemetery.

Honored to serve as pallbearers are Joey Pawlik, Gregorio Carmona, Juan Manuel Rios, Beto Guerra, and Manuel Rodriguez, Saul Cantu.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the caring hands of Good Shepherd Funeral Home.

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