Leonides Salinas Cantu, Jr.

Born to Leonides Vela Cantu Sr., police officer and mayor of San Javier, Mexico; Mother Altagracia Cantu housewife. Moved to Chicago where his father worked in the Iron Steel Mill Industry. They relocated to the central valley when Leo Sr. retired; his wife became a local farm labor in 1960. Leonides grew up in Visalia, California where he graduated from High school, and met his high school sweetheart, Francisca S. Cantu at 15. They married at 17 and continued a family of four children total. His early work experience started as a farm labor foremen. He joined the local carpenter's Union; where he became a Journeyman carpenter. He enjoyed baseball, gardening, and spending time his family, especially his grandchildren. He also loved crafting hand made wood works in his garage. Leonides Cantu was a loving God-praising husband, father, and grandpa. For the last 14 years our father attended Church faithfully, attended Bible College, and gave his time to help many, especially during Holidays. He will be missed by many and cared for us in ways that most would not begin to understand. He is survived by his wife Francisca of 42 years, siblings, Oscar Cantu, David Cantu, Elida Cantu-Lopez, Graciela Lazano, Eliza Cantu-Estevez, sons Leonides M. Cantu Jr., Joaquin M. Cantu, Emilio M. Cantu, his angel Sophia M. Cantu-Alvarez, grandchildren Mireya, Emerolina, Zachary, Arayziah, Emilio, Elyse, Frankie, Erik, Alyssa, and best friend NJ, and great-granddaughter Analene. We will be celebrating Leo's life on Thursday, July 17th at Hadley 1700 W. Caldwell Ave. 5pm viewing and 6pm service. Also, Friday, the 18th at Hadley from 9-11 followed by the cemetery.