John N. Cruz, 85, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, February 9, 2022. He died peacefully surrounded by his wife and family. John was born on July 21, 1936, in Mertzon, Texas, to the late Jose and Modesta (Natividad) Cruz.
John didn’t have the opportunity to further his education; however, this did not prevent him from becoming a successful entrepreneur. John’s work ethic and desire to take care of his family gave him the incentive to build two successful construction companies, John Cruz Construction and A.K. Concrete, Inc. John was the first Hispanic builder to have a home featured in the Lubbock Parade of Homes in the early 1970’s. John then stepped it up a notch and embarked in the highway construction business, where he was equally successful. Even in his later years, you could find John tinkering in his woodshop or cultivating his prized chilies.
John married Maria S. Moreno on January 13, 1955, in Levelland, Texas, and together, they had one son and two daughters. John’s wife, son and daughter-in-law supported John’s business efforts every step of the way.
After the passing of Maria, John was blessed with another loving wife, Maria L. Vidaurre Lopez, and her children, when they married on June 15, 2012. Together, they enjoyed their retirement years attending church, visiting family, and watching the NFL. John’s pleasant personality was contagious to everyone he met, and he will be dearly missed.
Those left behind to cherish his memory are: wife, Maria; son, Johnny Cruz, Jr., and his wife, Sally, and their children, Jennifer Ashley Hasty (Chad), and John V. Cruz, III; daughter, Jo Ann Vargas, and husband, Rodolfo, and their children, Kimberly Ann Connelly (Craig), and Evan Vargas (Marley); daughter, Jeannette Cruz-McDonald, and her husband, Tom: step-son, Jessie Lopez, Jr., and his wife, Nora; step-son, Edie Lopez; and step-daughter Jeanette Velasquez (Joey).
Celebration of a Christian Mass will be held at 10AM, Wednesday, February 16, 2022, at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church and Rev. Monsignor Ben Kasteel officiating. Interment will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park. Rosary will be held at 7PM, Tuesday, February 15, 2022, at Resthaven Funeral Home Abbey Chapel. Visitation will begin at 5PM on Tuesday, February 15, 2022.
