Christopher Lee Cantu

Christopher Lee Cantu, age 59, of Gulfport, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on Monday, November 11, 2024, after a battle with cancer.

Chris was born on September 17, 1965 in Victoria, Texas to Pete and Josie Cantu. He graduated from A.C. Jones High School in Beeville, Texas and joined the U.S. Navy soon afterwards. He proudly served for 24 years in the field of meteorology before finally retiring as a Chief Petty Officer in 2009. While in the Navy, he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Aeronautical Science from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. During his career, he served in a wide variety of locations such as Yokosuka, Japan; Pearl Harbor, Hawaii; Kingsville, TX; Biloxi, MS and even Antarctica. He served aboard multiple ships including the USS Inchon, USS Makin Island and USS Theodore Roosevelt. In fact, he was a plank owner of the USS Theodore Roosevelt, as a member of the crew when the ship was first commissioned. 

In addition to his distinguished military career, Chris was an avid runner. His love of running began in high school as a member of his cross-country team. He continued that passion in his adult life and often participated in various 5Ks, 10Ks and other competitive events bringing home multiple medals. He also found time to climb Mount Fuji not once, but three times.

Chris was also very well-known for his beautiful singing voice. Karaoke was a favorite pastime. His favorite singer was Elvis Presley and he sounded just like him! Family and friends were always asking him to sing for them at parties and events, and Chris would happily oblige.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Pete and Josie Cantu; brother Charlie Cantu, first wife Cheryl and stepbrother Eddie Garza.

Survivors include his wife, Hazel; sons Gabriel and Matthew; sister Cindy and brother-in-law Mark Sebesta; stepmom Lonnie Cantu; stepbrother Ernest Garza (Pinky); sister-in-law Anna Garza; nephews Anthony (Lumi) Cantu and Lee (Maddie) Garza and nieces Malarie (Luis) Melchor, and Olivia Garza; Tia MaryAnn Rollings, Aunt Mary, Uncle Martin, Uncle Terry and many cousins. 

There will be a visitation and rosary at Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Homes,15452 O’Neal Road in Gulfport on Sunday, November 17, 2024 from 5-7 p.m. A prayer service will be held at Our Lady of Fatima in Biloxi on Monday, November 18, 2024 at 9 a.m. followed by burial at Biloxi National Cemetery at 10 a.m. 

Pallbearers will be Brian Wells, Amador Reyna Jr., Jake Thompson, Bobby Picchi, Chris Olsen, and David Fishbaugh. Honorary Pallbearers will be Ernest Garza, Ean Rollings, Matthew Alvarez III, Anthony Cantu, Uncle Martin, Terry Lopez I, Terry Lopez II, Mark Sebesta, Matt Alvarez II and Bradley Guerrieri.

Bradford O’Keefe Funeral Home, O’Neal Road, Gulfport, is honored to serve the family of Chris Cantu.