Juan Manuel Cadena

Juan was born to Reynaldo Mendiola and Maria Longina Cadena, June 26, 1942, in Laredo, Mexico. He married Rosa Elvira Salazar in 1967, and they lived together in Chicago, Illinois then moved permanently to Houston, Texas. Together they raised six (6) children.

He is survived by his children: Juan Manuel Cadena, Jr., Rosa Marie Garza (Arnold Garza), John Fitzgerald Cadena (Irma Cadena), Diana Cadena, Leticia “Lety” Cadena, Lilliana Cadena (Hector Sanchez). He also leaves to cherish his memory, his grandchildren: Jennifer Lynn Martinez (Israel Martinez), Jacqueline Michelle Cadena, Gabriella Marie Ocampo (Jose Ocampo), Megan Michelle Cadena, Angelina Lynn Cadena, Michael Cadena, Jaden Cadena, Jared Cadena, Vivianne Riley Sanchez, and his great-grandchildren: Isabella Gizelle Martinez and Izekiel Israel Martinez as well as many beloved sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by Rosa Elvira Cadena, his beloved wife, Maria Longina Cadena, mother, Alfonso Mendiola, brother, Maria Antonia Enriquez, sister and many more loved ones.

Juan proudly served in the Seventh United States Army, in the 587th US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) in Germany from 1961 – 1964 decorated as a sharpshooter. He worked for many years starting as a chef in Chicago, Illinois where he met the love of his life, Rosa. He and his wife moved their family to Houston, Texas, where Juan worked for many years at NL, Brown & Root, Coca Cola, Metro and Plastic Pack, eventually retiring to become a full-time husband and grandfather. He enjoyed watching the Astros and the Texans with his wife. He enjoyed watching his westerns and listening to classical music that he and his wife enjoyed playing. He and his wife enjoyed taking many trips to Disney World and Las Vegas among many things. He also enjoyed time with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

A visitation for Juan will be held Monday, April 7, 2025 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Forest Park Lawndale Funeral Home. A funeral mass will occur Tuesday, April 8, 2025 at 10:00 AM, at Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, 1111 St Joseph Pkwy. A committal service will occur Tuesday, April 8, 2025 at 12:00 PM, at Forest Park Lawndale Cemetery. The family would also like to thank everyone that touched his life. It meant a lot to him and for that they are forever grateful.