Biography
Ricardo M. Cantu, CW3, U.S. Army, Retired
Ricardo M. Cantu volunteered for the Draft and was inducted on 28 March 1951, and served an initial period of 2 years. After an 18-month leave, he reenlisted into the Army in October of 1954. He then served in a number of assignments, in both enlisted and Warrant Officer positions until retirement in March of 1974, concluding his twenty-two and a half years of active service.
His stateside assignments included the Red River Arsenal near Texarkana, Texas; four separate assignments at Fort Sill, Oklahoma; Camp Granite Army Depot in Granite City, Illinois. He served overseas at Camp Drake, Japan; Evreux Air Base, France; Qui Nhon, Vietnam with the 593rd General Support Group; and Lai Kae, Vietnam with the First Infantry Division.
Mr. Cantu was awarded six Bronze Stars, the Meritorious Service Medal, two awards of the Air Medal, two Army Commendation Medals, as well as three awards of the Good Conduct Medal, two awards of the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal with three Campaign Stars, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with 60 Device.
Joining the Army with a fourth-grade education, Mr. Cantu earned his High School Equivalency, along with some college, while serving in the Army. Since retirement, Mr. Cantu founded Cantu Services, Inc. a government food service contracting company that has won many contracts and continues to feed military personnel at several installations. He continues to support our military personnel.
Mr. Cantu and Verline, his wife of sixty-seven years, currently reside in Wichita Falls, Texas. They raised seven children in Lawton, Oklahoma and have numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren; several of whom work alongside him helping to maintain Cantu Services’ reputation as the best in the business.
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Mr. Ricardo M. Cantu.
Mr. Cantu lived to see his 89th birthday in November 2020
and passed away at home on December 3, 2020.
He is survived by his wife of 68 years, his seven children, 14 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren and 1 great great-grandchild.
His wife, Mrs. Verline Cantu, has assumed the position of Chairman and CEO of Cantu Services, Inc. and will ensure that Mr. Cantu’s legacy of food service excellence continues.