Apolinar P. Cantu

Apolinar P. Cantu, 84, entered into eternal rest on August 2, 2025, in Santa Maria, Texas. A devoted father, grandfather, brother, and friend, Apolinar was a man whose life reflected hard work, deep faith, and a love for family. He found joy in the simple things—woodworking, dancing, mechanics, and gathering with loved ones to BBQ on Sunday afternoons. Known for his generous spirit and strong work ethic, he was a man who lived by example, guided by unwavering faith and a deep love for the Lord. In his younger years, Apolinar served as an altar boy, and that early foundation of faith remained a cornerstone of his life. He read his Bible daily and lived with integrity, humility, and kindness. His warm presence and steadfast devotion to his family and beliefs touched all who knew him. He is survived by his beloved children: Ruth Ramon (Martin) of Minnesota, Anthony Cantu, and Abram Cantu of Monte Alto, Texas; and by five cherished grandchildren: Mindy, Brian, Kimberly, David, and Zenaida. He is also survived by three sisters: Maria de Jesus Rivera of California, Maria Antonia Cardona of Washington, and Elodia “Lodi” Slosson (Terry) of La Feria, Texas. Apolinar was preceded in death by his parents, Petronilo and Antonia Cantu; his son, Apolinar Cantu, Jr.; his daughter, Minnie Cantu; and six siblings: Pedro Cantu, Petronilo Cantu, Oralia Saenz, Domingo Cantu, Isabel Villegas, and Genoveva Silva. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, from 1:00 PM until 9:00 PM, with the family present from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM at the Rudy Garza Chapel of Peace in Harlingen, Texas. A rosary will be prayed at 7:00 PM at the Rudy Garza Chapel of Peace in Harlingen, Texas. The funeral service will take place on Wednesday, departing the funeral home at 9:30 AM for a 10:00 AM Mass of Christian Burial at Santa Margarita Catholic Church in Santa Maria. Interment will follow at Restlawn Memorial Park Cemetery in La Feria, Texas. Pallbearers will be Anthony Cantu, Abram Cantu, Erasmo Silva, Danny Villegas, Terry Slosson, and Dino Ramon. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Rudy Garza Funeral Home in Harlingen, Texas. Apolinar’s faith, strength, and love will live on through the lives of those he touched. He will be dearly missed and forever remembered.

Apolinar P. Cantu

February 10, 1941 - August 2, 2025

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