Paul Cruz Jr.

On August 6, 2025, our beloved husband, father and grandfather, Paul Cruz Jr., was called home to be with the Lord. He passed away peacefully in his home next to his wife of 62 years, Minnie Cruz, and his fur baby Daisy.

Paul Cruz Jr. was born on July 6, 1945, in Houston, Texas, to Pablo Cruz and Francis San Miguel Cruz. Paul was one of two children raised by his mother and stepfather Clyde Edward Jones. He is preceded in death by his parents, his beloved brother, Frank Jones, and his nephew Bryan (BJ) Jones.

Paul grew up in the historic Sixth Ward district. As a young man he spent his time training in the boxing ring and was a Texas Golden Glove Champion. He graduated from San Jacinto High School in downtown Houston and attended Lee College in Baytown. Paul worked for Texas Instruments, and as a machinist for Baker Oil Tools for twenty plus years. In his later years, Paul worked for ABM security at the Houston Summit Arena during the Houston Rockets Clutch City era and escorted many celebrities such as Hakeem Olajuwon, Garth Brooks and Madonna. No matter the job, he carried himself with kindness, dignity, and an unwavering work ethic.

Paul married the love of his life, Minnie Cruz, December 29th, 1963. The two welcomed four beautiful children Paul Victor Cruz, Michael Stephen Cruz, Cynthia Rene Moreno, and Virginia Cruz Diaz. Paul cherished Minnie and they were inseparable. Together, their time was spent with their children and beloved grandchildren. His home was always filled with warmth, laughter, and the aroma of his famous homemade salsa.

Paul was 80 years old. He was known for his generosity, and caring for everyone he met, whether a lifelong friend or a stranger. Paul’s legacy will live on in the lives he touched through his faith, kindness, his strength, and his unconditional love.

He is survived by his wife, Minnie Cruz; his son, Victor Cruz and wife, Diana Cruz; his son, Michael Cruz and wife, Ninfa Cruz; his daughter, Cynthia Moreno and Danny Rangel; his daughter, Virginia Diaz and her husband, Elias Diaz; his goddaughter, Mary Helen Galvan and her husband, Jesse Galvan. In addition, Paul’s family included 11 grandchildren, David Coombs, Rene Moreno and wife Erika Moreno, Ryan Cruz and wife Valerie Cruz, Erin Cruz, Lorenzo Diaz, Zachary Cruz, Ezra Serenity, Ayden Cruz, Eric Salazar, Bellisima Cruz, and Ty Diaz as well as his seven great-grandchildren, Kyah and Rylen Coombs, Nathan and Vivienne Cruz, Rowen Moreno, Delilah and Elijah Salazar.

A visitation for Paul will be held Thursday, August 14, 2025 from 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM at Brookside Funeral Home, 13747 Eastex Freeway, Houston, Texas 77039. A vigil will occur Thursday, August 14, 2025 from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM, 13747 Eastex Freeway, Houston, Texas 77039. A funeral mass will occur Friday, August 15, 2025 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at St Leo the Great Catholic Church, 2131 Lauder Rd, Houston, Texas 77039. A graveside will occur Friday, August 15, 2025 from 12:30 PM to 1:00 PM at Brookside Memorial Park, 13747 Eastex Freeway, Houston, Texas 77039.