Jose Angel Cantu

Jose, or Joe as he was known, was preceded in death by his parents, Carlos Cantu Sr. and Amada A. Cantu; siblings, Jesse Cantu, Felix Cantu, Dolores Cantu, Carlos Cantu Jr., Lupe Sosa, Frank Cantu, and Tony Cantu. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Maria Margarita Garza Cantu; daughters, Leticia Cantu Guevara (Homer) and Patricia Cantu; son, Joe Rene Cantu; grandchildren, Brianna Guevara, Kristine Guevara Stalford (Adam), and Derek Z. Guevara; great-granddaughter, Elena Margaret Stalford; and siblings, Carmen Cunningham, Mary Villa (Larry), Louis Cantu (Josie), Rose Ogilvie (Chuck), and Elias Cantu (Tommie).

Joe spent much of his childhood outdoors riding bikes and playing games like marbles and stickball with his family. As one of 13 siblings, they often had enough to make two full teams themselves. Joe and his siblings continued to enjoy their time together in adulthood as they gathered weekly for Saturday night card games. Summertime included many Cantu outings to Canyon Lake and Riverview. Special trips were made to Los Angeles, Sacramento, and Lake Tahoe to spend time with family members who lived in California.

Joe attended South San Antonio High School and graduated in 1956. In high school, Joe was a member of the track, football, and baseball teams. At one time, he held the city record for the fastest mile. After graduation, his passion for baseball continued through many years of playing and coaching in the Spanish-American league. Joe recounted many stories as a player and a coach for teams such as Hot Wells and the Varsity Club; Old newspaper clippings tell of successful pitching seasons and selections as an All-Star Pitcher. He talked of pitching against future big leaguers and of an American Amateur World Series in Battle Creek, Michigan. During this time, Joe also joined the Army and served in the Army Reserves.

Joe and Margie, who married on February 27, 1965, recently celebrated their 59th Anniversary. Together they provided a supportive and loving home for their three children. Joe was present for any activity in which his children were involved. For several years, he also coached Rene as he played baseball for St. Leonard’s CYO teams. Letty, Patty, and Rene always looked forward to their father’s days off. His weekly day off during the summer months often meant a fun adventure. There were jazz picnics in downtown parks, events at local libraries, and many trips to Landa Water Park in New Braunfels. A favorite outing was when he would take his children, and often a few nieces and nephews, to the Alamo Heights swimming pool. Joe would pack lunches and a good book for a full day’s outing. Reading was a cherished pastime of Joe’s; He remained an avid reader his entire life.

Joe was a proud public servant as a mail carrier for the United States Postal Service. He retired after 31 years of service. His children cherish memories of hearing his mail truck pull up to their school or coming around the corner of their street. One of Joe’s favorite work stories, however, was the time he stopped his mail truck behind a car carrying Mickey Mantle and agreed to move it in exchange for an autographed photo. The photo is still up in the Cantu home.

Becoming “Grandpa Joe” was an incredible joy for him. His love was endless and overflowing for Brianna, Kristine, and Derek. From the countless projects in the garage to the many basketball, baseball, and band events, Grandpa and Grandma were always ready to hit the road whether it meant across the city or an out-of-town trip. Grandpa Joe shared many stories, meals, and laughs that his grandchildren will always hold dear. Our newest family member, Elena, was able to spend time with her Papo during family visits and frequent FaceTime calls. So much love, he beamed at the thought of her.

Joe will be greatly missed. He gave his all to his family: help, advice, encouragement, and love. We have many memories to hold onto: his passion for sports, his Sunday BBQs, his immaculate lawns, his silliness, and hundreds of his sayings (I may not always be right, but I’m never wrong.).

Dad, our family (Margie, Letty, Patty, Rene, Homer, Bri, Kristine, Derek, Adam, and Elena) is strong because of you and we will honor your memory by continuing to “Be together.”

Visitation will be held Tuesday, March 26, 2024, from 5:00-9:00 p.m. at Funeraria Del Angel Trevino, 226 Cupples Rd., San Antonio, TX 78237 with a Rosary to be recited at 7:00 p.m.

On Wednesday, March 27, 2024, the Procession will depart at 10:15 a.m. for an 11:00 a.m. Mass of The Resurrection at St. Leonard’s Catholic Church, 8510 S. Zarzamora St., San Antonio, TX 78224. Internment will follow in San Fernando Cemetery II, 746 Castroville Rd., San Antonio, TX 78237.