Pedro Cantu, Jr.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept my faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award me on that day – and not only me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.”

Timothy 4:7-8

Mr. Pedro Cantu, Jr., 87, entered into the presence of his Heavenly Father on Saturday, June 9, 2018.

In 1946, Pete initially started as a messenger boy for Western Union. He was later promoted to operator, night manager, cashier, manager, and senior communications consultant working throughout the state of Texas. He retired from Western Union in 1985, after serving as District Manager in Houston, Texas. In 1986, Mr. Cantu was hired by the U.S. Government as an Immigration inspector, until his retirement in 2001.

His formal schooling included being a graduate of Martin High School in 1949. He played trombone in the Tiger Band. He was student director of the Martin Band, during his senior year. At the undergraduate level, he attended Laredo Junior College. Late in his musical career, he was the eldest member of the LCC Mariachi Palomino, under the direction of Mr. Ruben Vargas. Pete was a vocalist, and played the guitar and the violin.

Pete was a veteran who served his country proudly, with the United States Army. He fought in the Korean War from 1951 to 1953. He was honorably discharged after 2 ½ years of service.

Mr. Cantu was active in local community organization and activities. He served with the Blessed Sacrament Church Knights of Columbus Council #10939, and the Fourth Degree Assembly #2565. He also had membership with the Laredo Evening Lions Club, the Elks Club, and coached Little League Baseball for several years. On the spiritual level, Pete served as an Usher with Blessed Sacrament Church, and was a member of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem, along with his wife Amelia Yolanda Guajardo Cantu, for the Diocese of Laredo.

Pete was preceded in death by his parents, Carmen Mendoza Cantu and Pedro Cantu, Sr.; his sister, Carmen Cantu; and his first wife and mother of his children, Aurora Salazar Cantu who he was married to for 37 years.

He is survived by his wife of 22 years, Amelia Yolanda Guajardo Cantu; his brothers, Jesus Cantu of San Antonio and Jose (Nora) Cantu of Lytle; his son, Pete (Terry) Cantu III of San Antonio; his daughter, Leticia (Rev. Deacon Dennis) Cantu Garza of Laredo; his four grandchildren, Celina Andrea Cantu of San Antonio, Michael Aaron Cantu of San Antonio, Dennis Matthew Garza of Laredo, and Mark Andrew Cantu of San Antonio; his only great-granddaughter, Roslyn Crystelle Cano of Laredo; sister-in-law, Juanita Guajardo Acosta (Francisco †) of Laredo; brothers-in-law, German (Tamara) Guajardo, Jr. of Cape Coral, Florida, Ramiro (Carmela) Salazar of McAllen, and Luis B. Salazar of Floresville. He is further survived by other nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 13, 2018 from 5 to 9 p.m. at Joe Jackson North Funeral Chapels & Cremation Services, 1410 Jacaman Rd.; where a Vigil for the Deceased and Rosary will be recited by Rev. Deacon Dennis R. Garza at 7 p.m.

Funeral Services will be conducted on Thursday, June 14, 2018 departing at 9:30 a.m. from Joe Jackson North Funeral Chapels to Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church for a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. officiated by Rev. Fr. Wojciech Przystasz.

Rite of Committal and Interment will follow at the family plot at the Calvary Catholic Cemetery.

Serving at the Altar will be Dennis Matthew Garza. Lectors will be: Leticia Cantu Garza and Pete Cantu, III. The music will be provided by Manuel and Mary Ponce.

Pallbearers will be: Michael Aaron Cantu, Mark Andrew Cantu, Blas A. Martinez, Eduardo San Miguel, Luis Muñoz, and Jaime Garcia.

Honorary Pallbearers will be: Jesus Cantu, German Guajardo, Jr., Alberto Guardiola, Hector Martinez, Rene Lara, J.D. Wendeborn, and Hector Herrera.

The Cantu family extends their most sincere gratitude to Dr. Dennis Cantu and his medical associates for the excellent care given to Pete as well as the staff of: Laredo Medical Center, Laredo Specialty Hospital, Laredo Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, St. Jude Hospice, along with the Veterans Transportation Services, for all of their dedication and continually kind assistance. A very big thank you to his caregivers: Carmelita, Adelita, and Cindy. They would also like thank: Veteran Oscar Palacios, Chaplain Ruben Tenorio, Blas A. Martinez, Gustavo and Griselda Alcantar, as well as to all those who prayed for Pete throughout his illness.

You may express your condolences, share your favorite memories, and sign the guestbook online at: www.joejacksonfuneralchapels.com .

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care and direction of the funeral services professionals at Joe Jackson North Funeral Chapels & Cremation Services, 1410 Jacaman Rd., Laredo, Texas, 78041; (956)722-8850.