John Joseph Cantú, 69, of Denton, passed away on June 2, 2023. He was born in Phoenix, Arizona on December 28, 1953, to Reynaldo S. and Maria Cantú, Sr.

He is survived by his daughters, Sarah Tavis of Olympia, Washington; Kathleen Reichel and husband Keith Reichel of Valley View, Texas; and Mariana Cantú of Albuquerque, New Mexico; sons, Isaac Lewis and wife Aurora Arellano, of Denton, Texas; Andrew Lewis and wife Julia Richason of Denton, Texas; brother Reynaldo Cantú, Jr., of Rancho Viejo, Texas and 14 grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara Cantú, his daughter, Librada "Lily" Cantú, and his mother and father.

John was a devoted father, husband, and parishioner of Immaculate Conception Church.  He volunteered, supported others as a prayer warrior, and was an active member in the Church's Mission Council and ACTS team.  He married his wife Barbara in 1990, and the two joined their families, eventually growing the household to include 6 children.  John will be remembered as a wonderful cook, always making a point to keep his big family well fed.  He also loved storytelling and instilled in each of his children a deep appreciation of reading and filmmaking.  John was an avid music lover and an accomplished guitar player.  John was a great lover of the outdoors and was known to take long hikes and arrange epic family camping trips.  He always made sure to pack a chocolate treat for his kids, and later, for his grandkids.

The family will receive friends at DeBerry Funeral Directors in Denton, Texas on Monday, June 12, 2023, from 5:00 - 6:00 PM. A rosary will be said at 6:00 PM.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, June 13, 2023, at 10:00 AM, at Immaculate Conception Church in Denton, Texas.  Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park.

The family requests donations be made to Rocky Road Refuge in Muenster, TX in lieu of flowers.