Mark Anthony Cantú

Mark Anthony Cant&uacute, of Cruz Calle, Texas, was crowned in the kingdom of the Lord on October 20, 2014 at the age of 56. He was born in Corpus Christi, Texas on June 27, 1958 to Enrique "Henry" and Maria Fantina S. Cant&uacute. Mark was a proud 1976 graduate of Premont High School where he excelled academically, was a distinguished member of the Future Farmers of America organization and a member of the Cowboy football team. On April 25, 1981 Mark married his high school sweetheart, best friend, and the love of his life, Nora Alaniz Cant&uacute. Together they raised three beautiful children of which he was most proud of. Mark was a remarkable man who was well respected and was well known for his unselfishness, compassion, humility and willingness to lend a helping hand. His family, his faith and his love for life drove his life choices and guided his path and that of his family. Mark lived each and every day for his family. He devoted his days to guiding, caring, loving and encouraging his children to be loving and honorable people. Mark was a strong man who left behind a beautiful legacy for his family. He made sure that everyday a beautiful memory was created....memories that will never be forgotten. Mark enjoyed the outdoors and watching his favorite sport teams, which included the Dallas Cowboys and "The Spurs Baby!" He especially enjoyed cooking for and catering to friends and family. Much like St. Jude Thaddeus, Mark had a true dedication to hopeless cases and he had the God-given gift of dedication and persistence, as he always assisted those in need. As a devoted Catholic, Mark was an active member of St. Theresa of the Infant Jesus Catholic Church in Premont, Texas where he gave of his time and treasure. He volunteered as a CCD teacher and was a member of the St. Theresa's Finance Council. Mark served as a member of the St. Elizabeth Catholic School Advisory Council, the Premont Independent School District School Board and the Jim Wells County Fair Association. Mark was instrumental in assisting the educational institutions he was associated with. He was one of the founders of P.R.I.D.E. (Premont Residents Involved In Dynamic Education) that focused on doing whatever it takes to save the schools of Premont. Mark also assisted St. Elizabeth Catholic School restructure the format of what is now one of the school's most profitable fundraisers; Casino Night. Last, but certainly not least, Mark dedicated close to 30 years of service to the United States Postal Service where he last served as postmaster in Benavides, Texas. He is preceded in death by his father, Enrique "Henry" Cantú his paternal grandparents, Tomas and Catarina Cantú and his maternal grandparents, Hilario and Luisa Saenz. Mark is survived by his loving wife of 33 years, Nora Alaniz Cantú his mother, Maria Fantina S. Cantú one son, Seth Christian Cantú two daughters, Sitarra (Gabe) Cant&uacute-Pulido and Sia Isabella Cantú two grandsons, Cruz Gabriel and Jude Thaddeus all of Cruz Calle, Texas; three brothers, Tomas Enrique "Rick" (Linda Vera) Cant&uacute of Cruz Calle, Texas, John Eric (Michele Close) Cant&uacute of Austin, Texas, and Michael Lawrence (Angie) Cant&uacute of Houston, Texas; mother-in-law, Sylvia Isabella Johnson of Premont, Texas; father-in-law, Martin Manuel (Idalia) Alaniz of Premont, Texas; three brothers-in-law, Xavier Martin (Renee) Alaniz of Lometa, Texas, Orlando Noe Alaniz and Mark "Markie" Antonio Alaniz both of Premont, Texas; three sisters-in-law, Sonia Lizette (Lucas Barrera) Alaniz of Premont, Texas; Erika Salinas Cantu of Austin, Texas and Matilde Hinojosa of San Antonio, Texas; two aunts, Catarina "Kay" (Leopoldo) Martinez and Aurora Cantu both of Corpus Christi, Texas; and numerous nieces and nephews, Joseph, Patrick, and Jacqueline Cantu, Natalie and Danielle Close all of Austin, Texas; Blayne (Kristin), Justus and MaClinta of Lometa, Texas; Dustin (Maggie) Gutierrez of San Antonio, Texas, Vanessa and OJ Alaniz, Bailey Recio, Kirsten and Kristian Alaniz all of Premont, Texas. The Vigil of the Deceased will be held on Friday, October 24, 2014 at 8:00 PM and a Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, October 25, 2014 at 10:00 AM at St. Theresa of the Infant Jesus Catholic Church in Premont, Texas; cremation to follow.