Oscar Cantu

Oscar T. Cantu, age 80, surrounded by family, unexpectedly passed and was welcomed home into Heaven on January 7, 2023. Oscar was a loving, dedicated husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle and friend whose heart was filled with tremendous pride and love for his family and friends.

Born on March 14, 1942 to Guadalupe Cantu and Maria Luisa Treviño, he grew up in his hometown of Brownsville, Texas. It is here where he held pride coming from La 421 and  where he met the love of his life, Antoñia, later marrying on May 14, 1966. Oscar proudly served his country in the U.S. Air Force for 27 years. With his growing family by his side, he had the opportunity of relocating to multiple bases and traveling across the world.As he built his remarkable career, Oscar continued his education, earning his Bachelor’s degree in Business administration from the University of Omaha in Nebraska and later his Master’s degree in Social Science from the University of Northern Colorado. He received multiple accolades and medals of honor recognizing his hard work and dedication. Oscar held a distinguished career, achieving the highest rank during his time of service and retired as Chief Master Sergeant in February 1987. He then pursued an occupation in civil service at Randolph Air Force base where he retired in 2008 and laid down roots with his family in San Antonio, Texas.

He enjoyed his days with his wife, ever growing family, friends and pets. Traveling and making a point to come home every year and to South Padre Island every summer, he created special moments and traditions that his family still carries on today.

His greatest joy in life was his family. He was caring, selfless and gave his all to his loved ones. He had the best sense of humor and loved to tell his stories and jokes filling a room with joy and laughter. Pouring his wisdom, guidance and support, he was an amazing role model and inspiration to those around him. He was a great man of strong character and strong values, adored and respected, a true pillar to his family. Oscar meant so much to so many and his memory will live on in the lives he touched. Forever Cherished and deeply loved, or as he would fondly say “LaLu Lalu”.

Survived by and will be dearly missed by his devoted wife of 56 years, Antoñia R. Cantu, his children Gary and Lisa Cantu, Diana and Bobby Gonzales, Mary Lou and John Chavez; his grandchildren, Valerie and Morty Bregman, Christina and Anthony Casarez, Jacqueline Dimando, Miranda Chavez, Marina Chavez, Jacob Vannatter, Madelyn Chavez, Robert Gonzales, John David Chavez, Danielle Gonzales, Gary Cantu Jr. and Victoria Cantu; great-grandchildren Anthony, Jacob Jr., Ava, Olivia, Jet, Jaxon, Angelo, Cecilia, Aria and Morty Jr. ; siblings Ramon and Bea Cantu, Esther Hinojosa ; and numerous loving nephews, nieces and their families.

He was preceded in death by his parents and beloved siblings, Guadalupe Lopez, Celestina Alcala, Irene Thomas and Joe Cantu.

A heartfelt thank you to the EMTs and ER healthcare team at Christus Santa Rosa for doing everything they could for him and for the staff and facility of Warm Springs Rehab for the care they gave these last few months.