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Eduardo O. Cantu, 86, of Columbus, TX, peacefully entered eternal rest on Dec. 22, 2023, surrounded by his loving family. Born on May 28, 1937, he was the cherished son of Jose Cantu and Elvira Olivares-Cantu of Mexico. Eduardo was the devoted husband of Yolanda L. Cantu since 1962.
Eduardo dedicated 15 years of his life to Garwood Elementary School in Rice Consolidated Independent School District, retiring only when his knees could no longer tend to the football field he loved. Known for his mischievous smile, laughter echoing through hallways, and a helping hand, Eduardo’s passion for Garwood Elementary brought joy to those around him. A true Rice Consolidated ISD fan, he wore Rice Blue almost daily, reserving Cardinal Red only when attending his grandchildren’s events. Grateful appreciation to all schoolteachers and staff who offered heartfelt condolences and joined us to share their most cherished memories of Eduardo’s life.
His career with Brown and Root/Halliburton in Highway Pavement Construction across Houston spanned 35 years. Eduardo could recount the freeways he helped build, each with its own safety story. After a brief retirement, he returned, moving to Winchester, Virginia, embracing the seasons and sharing cherished moments with his sons and youngest daughter, from football games in the snow to skiing adventures and hunting.
Eduardo, as a young man, studied Commercial Accounting at Instituto Comercial de Reynosa Tamps, Mexico, earning his degree in June 1956. He swiftly embarked on a banking career, serving as Commercial Accounting Manager at Banco De Reynosa Tamps, Mexico, before relocating to Houston, Texas, in 1970. There, he commenced his career with Brown and Root, Inc. in Highway Pavement Construction.
A man of unwavering faith, Eduardo drove himself every Sunday to St. Anthony’s Spanish Mass at noon in his beloved Red Chevy Truck. His love for God was evident throughout his life, raising his five children with his wife, Yolanda, at St. Stephen’s Catholic Church in Houston. Eduardo and Yolanda dedicated themselves to church activities, from running the breakfast cafeteria to organizing bingo nights and pulling the rope for countless piñatas, Eduardo’s favorite activity. They were blessed with many Godchildren, and their presence was felt at every church event. Eduardo was a true example of a devout Catholic Man, serving as the Knights of Columbus Secretary and Treasurer for many years. Eduardo and Yolanda’s love for dancing, and Eduardo’s infectious energy, always the life of the party, will forever be remembered by those who had the privilege of sharing those moments with them.
Eduardo is survived by his loving children: Eduardo Welester Cantu of Mexico, Jose Pepe Cantu of Houston, TX, Martha Elvira Frischknecht and son-in- law Rico Frischknecht of Columbus TX, Roberto Cantu and daughter-in-law Marie Rivera-Cantu of Houston, TX, and Yolanda Cantu-Torres and son-in-law Mike Torres of Eagle Lake, TX. His grandchildren, Sulath Cantu of McKinney TX, Nicolas Frischknecht of Columbus TX, Angelina Marie Cantu of Houston, TX, Gabriella Perez, Arissa Torres and McKenzie Torres of Eagle Lake, will forever hold his memory close to their hearts.
He is preceded in death by his parents Jose and Elvira Olivares-Cantu, beloved wife Yolanda Cantu, and siblings Ofelia Reyna, Heriberto Cantu, Josefa Aguirre, San Juana Lopez and Antonio Cantu.
The Funeral Mass was celebrated on Dec. 27, 2023, at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Columbus. Visitation was at 11:30 a.m., Holy Rosary was at 12:30 p.m., The Funeral Mass at 1 p.m. was celebrated by Father Nelson Gonzalez and assisted by Deacon Rusty Theut who offered solace and spiritual guidance to all in attendance.
A heartfelt thank you to the choir from both St Roch and St Anthony led by Mickey Glueck and Family for their beautiful performance meant the world to The Frischknecht-Cantu Family.
The Holy Rosary, led by Cassie Grounds and her Grandfather Charles Glueck, was a poignant and heartfelt moment during the service. A special thanks to Cassie and Mr. Glueck for their compassionate leadership in guiding us through this sacred prayer.
Interment was immediately after the Mass at Myrtle Cemetery, Rock Island TX.
Pallbearers: Jose Pepe Cantu, Roberto Cantu, Artemio Amado Saldivar, Nicolas Frischknecht, Gabriella Perez and Venacio Reyna.
Immediately following, the family and friends met at The Hound Song Brewing Company for a Celebration of Life. The Frischknecht-Cantu Family would like to personally thank each one of you for celebrating with us. Whether you were able to join us in person or in spirit, your presence is felt and appreciated.
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations to the St. Roch Choir Fund, 1600 Frelsburg Road, Alleyton, TX 78935-2040.
