Surrounded by family, Martin passed away peacefully on February 24, 2026, days after his 96th birthday. Martin was born February 16, 1930, in Laredo, Texas to Maria and Fortunato Cantu. He is predeceased by his wife of 67 years Rosemary Cantu, his parents, brothers Fortunato Jr., Raul, Jesse, and Augustin; sisters Maria Concepcion, Juanita, and Angelica; and son-in-law Terry Kitaen.
Martin is survived by his children Martin Jr. and daughter-in-law Susan; daughter MaryEsther Cantu Kitaen; son Robert and daughter-in-law Lee Ann Davison; grandson Christopher Cantu and wife Andrea; granddaughter Allyson Cantu Fiebig and husband Clay; granddaughter Jennifer Cantu; great-grandchildren Isabella Johnson, Finley Fiebig, Dylan Cantu, Joshua Cantu and Landry Fiebig, sisters Maria Luisa Dickinson and Margarita Villarreal. Martin is blessed to be survived by many nieces, nephews and his extended San Diego family who were a big part of his life
Martin grew up in Laredo and was a proud graduate of St. Joseph’s Academy. He served our country for four years in the Air Force that took him to Japan for an extended tour. He retired for the first time from Kelly Air Force Base, only to go to work with Bobby as his plumbing assistant and working on their rental properties. He finally retired for good at 85.
Martin was involved in his kid’s school activities and was a proud parent of three Lee Volunteers, a Southwest Texas Bobcat and a Texas Longhorn. He was “the coach that wasn’t the coach”, passing on tips to Tricky, Bobby, Finley, Dylan, Josh and Landry.
Family was first with Martin. He loved being a grandfather, “Peepaw” to Chris, Ally and Jenny. He took special pride in his great grandchildren and always enjoyed their visits, videos and calls.
Martin was fortunate to live a full and complete life, filled with so many adventures -Working with his father and brothers in the family business in Laredo, his service time in Japan and the Philippines, his work at Kelly Air Force Base including a duty in Buenos Aries Argentina, and getting to interact with all of Bobby’s customers. Martin was a lifetime Longhorn Fan, going to games and sitting in the knothole section. Going to his first Texas-OU game was a special thrill. He watched the America’s Cup races in San Diego. But his favorite activity was walking on the beach with Rosemary, whether the Texas Coast or Mission Beach in San Diego.
The family gives special thanks to numerous people who supported Martin through His final years. A special thank you to Aunt Mo and Aunt Lo who were always there for Martin. We thank Rise-Up Rehab for their special love, care and attention to Martin; and the staff of Imagine Wellness and Caring Hearts of Texas Hospice who paid special attention to him and our family. He was truly blessed (and spoiled) by these dedicated professionals.
First and foremost, Martin was devoted to the Lord and felt a special calling from the Virgin of Guadalupe. She was his patron saint and prayed often to her. We give thanks that the Lord and the Virgin gave him comfort in his final days.
Martin was able to balance his love for work and family throughout his life. He often said he felt he was “cheating his country” if he wasn’t working. But his legacy will be the example he set of a loving husband, a great parent, grandparent and great-grandparent.
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
2Timothy 4:7
Martin, Jr., MaryEsther and Robert
Without a doubt, simply the best father a child could have. Thank you for the countless ways you have supported and loved us our whole lives. We just always thought it was normal to have a Dad who was always there for you. Now we know that that isn’t always reality. We know how much you and Mom gave up so that we would have more. Thank you for that!
Tricky, Sissy and Bobby
In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to Oblate Missions (grottosa.org) in Martin’s name.
A Rosary will be held at St. Anthony de Padua Catholic Church, 102 Lorenz Rd, San Antonio, Texas 78209, on March 12, 2026, at 10:30 am, followed by a Funeral Mass at St. Anthony de Padua Catholic Church, 102 Lorenz Rd, San Antonio, Texas 78209, on March 12, 2026, at 11:00 am. A Reception will take place at St. Anthony de Padua Catholic Church, 102 Lorenz Rd, San Antonio, Texas 78209, on March 12, 2026, from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm.
Holy Cross Cemetery, 17501 Nacogdoches Rd, San Antonio, TX 78266, will take place on March 12, 2026, at 2:30 pm.
