Arturo P. Cantu, was surrounded by his family when he went with our Lord on January 28, 2019 at age 85. Born July 16, 1933 to Antonio and Maria Perez Cantu in Del Rio, TX, Art is survived by his sister Ruth and is preceded in death by his son Arthur, Jr, his parents, his sisters Antonia and Angela, and brothers Miguel, Rafael, and Elijio. Growing up, Art enjoyed fishing and using his sling shot as he walked for miles down the Rio Grande River in Del Rio. He became a permanent resident of Tulare by age eleven. As a kid, he would run with two-time Olympian Bob Mathias. He loved to dance the Jitterbug with his sister Ruth at Mooney Grove Park. Art attended Central Elementary School. A natural entertainer, he enjoyed leading a Spike Jones band with crazy antics. He graduated from Tulare Union in 1953. Art was on the track team and tumbling club at Tulare Union. He walked on his hands, up and down stairs and for long distances. During his senior year, the student body at-large voted him as Head Yell Leader; the first male to hold that position. He was the Mambo King, clearing the floor at dance halls he would show how fast and nimble he really was. At the Happy Go Lucky Dance Hall, he noticed a beautiful young lady from across the room, he told a buddy, someday that girl will be my wife. He joined the United States Marine Corps, serving in the Korean War. He has honorably discharged in 1956. He received medals for National Defense Service, Korean Service, United Nations Service, and the Good Conduct. Art served with the Marine Reserves until 1965. He was recognized in 2006 with a Certificate of Appreciation from the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States. Recently, he was recognized for his military service by the Quilts of Honor Committee on September 13, 2018. He received a beautiful patriotic quilt as well as certificates from State and local officials including the United States Congress. He retired from construction work as a cement finisher in 1998. Art did marry that girl , Dora Hernandez, in 1956. They spent 63 wonderful years together. Art is survived by his wife Dora, two sons Michael and Rita Cantu, Sr, Ralph Cantu, and daughter Marlene Coelho, five grandchildren, Joe and Michelle Cantu -Gutierrez , Michael and Paula Cantu, Jr., Dustin and Rebecca Cantu, Travis and Victoria Coelho, and five great-grandchildren, Justine and Mya Gutierrez, Eden and Chax Cantu, and Michael Cantu, III. Rosary and Mass will be 10 AM, Friday, February 15 at St. Rita’s Catholic Church in Tulare, CA. Flag Presentation with military honors will follow with a reception at Claude Meitzenheimer Community Center at 1 PM. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Optimal Hospice Care and Always Best Care for helping Art and his family through this difficult time. We are sad he is gone; we know heaven rejoices upon his arrival. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Arturo Perez Cantu please visit our Sympathy Store.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Arturo Perez Cantu July 16 1933 January 28 2019.
Death notice for the town of: -, state: California