In Loving Memory Of

With broken hearts, we announce the passing of Jesus “Benny” Cantu on May 20, 2026, at the age of 85.

Benny went home to our Lord peacefully, surrounded by his family. He leaves behind a lifetime of beautiful memories and an unforgettable impact on all who knew him. He was a devoted husband, beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather and a friend to everyone he met. He will be remembered by the endless love he shared with his family and his unbreakable faith in God.

Born on April 17, 1941, in the beautiful town of Sarita, Texas, Benny was the third oldest of eight siblings. He proudly served in the United States Army. Upon returning home, he married his neighbor and love of his life, Pearl. Their love for each endured throughout 63 wonderful years of marriage.

In his younger years, Benny coached baseball with his sons and grandsons and cherished every moment spent with his family. He generously gave his time to the church and served as a Eucharist Minister at Christ the King Church for many years.

He shared his passion for God and his devotion to Mary though his service with the Legion of Mary. A dedicated Catholic, Benny instilled strong faith, love, and compassion in his family and all who knew him. He was a Fourth Degree Knight with the Knights of Columbus and found joy in serving others. He was always ready to participate in parish and community events. He loved spending time at the ranch and never passed up a chance to spend the day there.

Benny worked as a butcher at Olsen Kessler Meat Company for more than 30 years. He later worked part-time at Wal-Mart for over 25 years in various departments and spent 14 years at the Ronald McDonald House before retiring.

Benny is preceded in death by his parents, Antonio G. and Maria Elena Cantu; brothers, Enrique (Henry) Martinez, Antonio Cantu, Pete Cantu, Armando Cantu and Juan Joe Cantu; sisters, Maria Elena (Nena) Durbin and Maria Lupita Hasette; and granddaughter Amanda Tovar.

Left to cherish his memories are his beloved wife of 63 years, Pearl Cantu; daughter, Debbie Ann Cantu (John); sons Jesus Ben Cantu (Nilda) and Enrique David Cantu (Crissy), all of Corpus Christi, Texas; grandchildren, Jacob Garza (Meagan), Benjamin Cantu(Cely), Rene Cantu (Mercedes), Brandon Cantu (Valeria), Christian Cantu, Victoria Cantu (Gerardo), John R. Cantu, Adrian Cantu (Anavelly), Jeanette Cantu, Ian Garcia, Zoey Hernandez, and Serenity Tovar. He also leaves behind nine great- grandchildren – Ethan, Elianna, Dylan, Caleb, Ella, Olivia, Asher, Michael, and Kianna – with two more on the way, all of whom he dearly loved.

Pallbearers (Grandsons and Great-Grandsons)

Jacob Garza

 Benjamin Cantu 

Brandon Cantu 

Christian Cantu 

John R. Cantu 

Adrian Cantu 

Ethan Garza

Dylan Cantu

Service Information

The family will receive condolences from 4:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at Guardian Funeral Home with a Holy Rosary to be recited at 6:30 p.m. A Catholic mass will be celebrated at 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 28, 2026, at Most Precious Blood Catholic Church in Corpus Christi, Texas.

A graveside service and interment with military honors will follow at 1:30 p.m. at Seaside Memorial Park in Corpus Christi, Texas. The family will receive guests afterward at Most Precious Blood Catholic Church Hall, 3502 Saratoga Blvd, Corpus Christi, Texas.