Abel D. Cantu

Abel D. Cantu, age 77, passed away on Wednesday, April 10, 2024. He was born November 3, 1946, to Thomas and Virginia Cantu. He graduated from Del Mar College's G.E.D. program. Abel was a musician for over 50 years and was awarded the 2006 Conjunto Bass Player of the Year “Narciso Martinez Award.” He was employed by the Corpus Christi Public Compress for over 35 years. Abel enjoyed playing his bass guitar, listening to Tejano and Conjunto music, dancing through the night with his adored wife, fishing, watching football and baseball, rooting for his beloved Dallas Cowboys and Houston Astros, and keeping in touch with his family, often chatting about the weather.

Abel is survived by his wife, Yolanda M. Cantu; his children, Abel Cantu Jr. (Sonia), Cynthia M. Garza (David), Norma J. Ramirez (Robert), and Debra L. Granados (Miguel); his thirteen grandchildren; twenty-two great-grandchildren; his sisters, Mary Del Chavez (Roland—deceased) and Mary Jane Ronje (Santos), and numerous nieces and nephews. 

Abel is preceded in death by his mother, Virginia D. Cantu; father, Thomas M. Cantu; brothers, Rudolfo “Rudy” Cantu (Viola - sister-in-law), Robert D. Cantu, and Tomas D. Cantu Jr.; sister, Zulema Villanueva (Jesse - brother-in-law), and his loving son-in-law, David A. Garza.

He will always be remembered for his concern with the needs and wishes of others, for his devotion to his family, his effort and thoughtfulness that went into providing advice to others, his love of laughter, and his sense of humor. Abel was a loving son, father, brother, grandfather, uncle, father-in-law, and husband who shared 61 beautiful years of marriage with the love of his life Yolanda M. Cantu.

Having the distinguished honor to serve as pallbearers are Aaron Martinez, Adam J. Ramirez, Joshua M Granados, Justin A Cantu, Johnny Saldana, and Roland Gomez.

The family of Abel D. Cantu would like to express a genuine thank you to all who help with donations. Your kind gesture was greatly appreciated.

Visitations will be from 5 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, April 16, 2024, at Corpus Christi Funeral Home. A Rosary will be recited at 7 p.m. the same evening. A Funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, at Holy Family Catholic Church. Interment will follow at Memorial Park in Robstown, Texas.