Francisco Cantu

Francisco Cantu, age 96, died of natural causes in Severna Park, Maryland on Sunday, August 23, 2009. Francisco was born in Coupland, Texas on October 4, 1912, the son of Estanislao Cantu and Anita Castro Cantu. He grew up and worked in Texas and later joined the United States Army and Air Force where he proudly served his country at home and overseas for twenty six years. After retiring from the military, he served with the U.S. Postal Service in Puerto Rico. Due to his military service, Francisco lived in numerous locations such as Japan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Alaska and Florida. While on military duty in Puerto Rico, he met and married Irma Cantu Hernandez, who remained his wife for 52 years until her passing in 1999. In retirement he had residences in Puerto Rico, Austin and Dallas. Francisco enjoyed woodworking, fishing, and travelling to visit family and friends with whom he had established long-lasting friendships throughout his military career. During his retirement years he was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Disabled American Veterans and the American Legion. He was preceded in death by his wife, Irma Cantu; his brother, Pilar Cantu; his half brother, Leo Hernandez; and his sister, Philomena Rincon. Francisco is survived by his brother, Teodulo Cantu; his three children, Nelly De La Torre and husband Mervyn, Diana Cantu Crighton and husband Chris, Frank Cantu and wife Carolyn; his grandchildren, Maritere De La Torre, Mervyn Jose De La Torre and wife Michelle, Jorge De La Torre and wife Monica, Kristin Crighton, Karen Crighton, Susanna Gregory and husband Bill, and Kenneth Cantu. He is also survived by seven great-grandchildren plus numerous nieces and nephews. The family will receive family and friends for visitation on Wednesday, August 26, 2009, from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm, at Weed-Corley-Fish South with a Rosary to follow at 7:00 pm. A Graveside Service will be held at 10:00 am on Thursday, August 27, 2009 at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, 1520 Harry Wurzbach Road, San Antonio, Texas 78209-6002.