It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved grandfather, Adan S. Cantu. Surrounded by his family, our patriarch was called to Heaven on May 24, 2024 at the age of 86.

Adan Cantu was born in Poth, TX on December 24, 1937, to Juanita and Ubenselado Cantu. He was the youngest of seven children, he had three brothers and three sisters. Adan spent many of his younger years working as a migrant worker on the fields helping support his family.  Later those hard working skills would be replicated by his boys.

July 27, 1960, Adan married the love of his life Elida Bautista. Their early marriage was spent in Mathis, TX where they began raising their five sons Adam Jr., Juan, Demetrio, Ray, and Robert. Many of the family conversations and laughter revolved around the "travesuras" the boys would get into and how grandpa would get so angry, they all had to run for their lives as they would each quickly come up with a story of how it was the other brothers fault. You can imagine how that turned out.

Grandpa's life as a migrant worker was challenging. Despite these hardships, his resilience and dedication provided for his family and set a strong example of perseverance and hard work. In 1975, the family moved to Las Cruces, NM for better work opportunities. Here Adan dedicated 25 years of service to the Las Cruces Public Schools.

In 1983, Adan made a life-changing decision to accept Jesus Christ as his Savior. This commitment marked the beginning of a new chapter in his life, where he dedicated himself to serving his church and community. Adan's faith became a cornerstone of his life, guiding his actions and inspiring those around him. He served as a Royal Rangers Commander, mentoring the next generation of Christ-like men and servant leaders. Adan and Elida spent several years providing love and care to many children in the foster care system and volunteered at the Emmanuel Orphanage in Palomas, Mexico.

In addition to his life of service you would often find him at farmers markets and fiestas, selling Elida's homemade crafts. Although he may have come across as "renegado" for having to load and unload the items they were selling, he was always bragging about the beautiful creations his wife created.

Grandpa was extremely proud of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. They often traveled to be sure they were witness to any and all accomplishments and celebrations creating cherished memories for everyone. Some of the most notable memories of Adan included  his love for food, often saying "Sabes Que? Tengo Hambre". He loved watching wrestling and watching old Western movies as well as fishing any chance he had. Adan would wander around the neighborhood visiting friends, earning the affectionate nickname "Vago" from Elida; he enjoyed having long conversations with neighbors and friends. When you asked him how he was doing he would respond with a cheerful, "PRETTY GOOD, PRETTY GOOD." And most lovingly, he was known as "Grampies" to his great-grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Elida Cantu; his five sons; grandchildren; and great-grandchildren: Adam Cantu Jr. (Abigail Cantu), Lisa (Orlando), Priscilla (David), Zayden, Kash, and Knox; Naomi (Miguel), Mariyah, Zackariyah, and Jeremiyah; Juan Cantu (Leticia Cantu), Diana (Sergio), Ismael (Yvette), Moses, Krisayda, and Josiah; John "Michael" (Renee), Harlow, Daisy (George), and Lily Rose; Demetrio Cantu (Alicia Cantu), Mario, and Alex; Ray Cantu (Melissa Cantu), Nanette (Chris), David, Evalyn, Mila, and Christian; Ray-Ray (Cassandra), Makayla, Keaton, Ian, and Layne; Christina (TJ), Avery, Rylee, Isaac, and Easton; Martina (Valentin), Adalyn, and Jazmin; Robert Cantu (Samantha Cantu), Kenny, Joylynn, Robert, and Ava; as well as many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents Juanita and Ubenselado, his 6 siblings: Asencion, Josephina "Fina", Severa, Jose Maria "Chema", Juan, Israel "Role", and his mother-in-law Justa Ramirez.

Adan's Celebration of life will be held on June 10, 2024 at Living Waters Church, 200 S Espina Street, Las Cruces, NM. Viewing will begin at 9:00 AM with a service at 10:00 AM. Burial will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens Cemetery, 5140 Picacho St., Las Cruces, NM. A reception will be held immediately after at Elks Lodge, 3000 Elks Dr., Las Cruces, NM 88005 where stories and memories of Adan's life will be shared.

Serving as casket bearers are his grandchildren, John "Michael", Ray-Ray, Kenny and Robert, and Great Grandchildren Josiah and Moses. Honorary bearers are Grandchildren Mario and Alex, and Great Grandchildren Ismael and Zackariyah.

In honor of Grandpa's wishes, we ask that everyone dress in cheerful colors as we celebrate his life. Adan's legacy of love, kindness, and community spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

Service arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Baca's Funeral Chapels of Las Cruces and Sunset Crematory, 527-2222. Your exclusive provider for "Veterans and Family Memorial Care." For online condolences logon to www.bacasfuneralchapelslascruces.com