Ascencion Cantu

Ascencion Cantu born in San Antonio, Texas on August 15, 1930 passed away peacefully in his sleep surrounded by his family on February 16, 2017, at the age of 86. He is preceded in death by his wife and love of his life Eulalia (LaLa) Villanueva Cantu, parents Jose Cantu and Mercedes Chavez Cantu, brother, Clemente Estrada, sisters Severina Cuellar and Carmen Villanueva. Dad is loved and will be missed by his daughter Mary Louise Cantu Garcia and husband Hector, son Gustavo Cantu and wife Mary Ann, son Raul Cantu and wife Estella, daughter Irene Cantu Gutierrez and husband Roger, son Victor Ascencion Cantu and wife Maria, his 11 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren. Ascencion “Chon” Cantu loved to coach and play baseball. Although he was a veteran of the Korean war and very accomplished professionally in his Civil Service career at Fort Sam Houston, these are things he rarely spoke of. Chon along with LaLa worked tirelessly for the causes they believed in as well as for their churches and numerous organizations while at times working three jobs. Ascencion and Eulalia Cantu were members of Holy Family Catholic Church and St. Ann Catholic Church, Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) as supporters and coaches for countless number of kids, the Knights of Columbus and as community leaders with the Lutheran Neighborhood Association in Culebra Park and the Holy Family institution of the Communities Organized for Public Service (COPS). Ascencion also worked with other community members and the Northside Independent School District superintendent and board members in naming what would have been Culebra Park Elementary for a famous Hispanic individual since the Culebra Park subdivision was predominately Hispanic. After extension research, he was instrumental in naming Gregorio Esparza Elementary School in honor of the Alamo hero.

Again, he rarely spoke of these things. Chon was most proud of his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren’s accomplishments and that of his many other family members. Chon and LaLa were both firm believers in serving others before self and most especially when it came to their family. Ascencion “Chon” Cantu, beloved father and friend to many, will be missed. The Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Thursday February 23, 2017 at Trevino Funeral Home, 226 Cupples Road. with a Rosary at 7:00 p.m. The Procession will depart from the funeral home on Friday February 24, 2017 at 9:15 a.m. for a 10:00 a.m. Mass at St. Ann Catholic Church, 210 St. Ann Street San Antonio,Tx 78201.Interment will follow at San Fernando Cemetery II.