Juan Loa Cardenas' Obituary
Juan Loa Cardenas, 91, commended his spirit into the hands of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph on January 15th, 2023. Mr. Cardenas was a devout Catholic and maintained a special devotion to the Virgin of Guadalupe and St. Jude throughout his life. He was the eldest of nine children, born on February 12th, 1931.
Juan learned valuable entrepreneurial skills from his father, and the Cardenas family were considered pioneers in Weslaco. When Juan was just a kid, he and his father, Procopio, would gather "braceros" and travel to West Texas, Arkansas, and any other place where there was an opportunity. Juan and Procopio's drive and discipline resulted in a well-managed team, and their agriculture business thrived for many years. Juan met his soulmate, Minerva, when they were teenagers. She and Juan were the perfect match and made a great team. Minerva joined Juan and helped manage the business. They were married in Arkansas in 1949, and their business thrived. Mr. Cardenas drove trucks to haul rice and watermelons. For years, he and his family would travel north to states such as Indiana to work in the fields. As a result, he developed a keen sense of direction.
Mr. and Mrs. Cardenas went to work for J.S. McManus Produce when traveling half the year was not conducive to raising their growing family. Nevertheless, Mr. Cardenas still traveled while working for McManus, and they sent him all over the country and to Mexico because of his experience. On the weekends, Mr. Cardenas helped his late father, Mr. Procopio Cardenas, manage Cardenas and Sons Grocery in downtown Weslaco. Cardenas and Sons Grocery was located on the corner of Los Torritos Street and Texas Boulevard.
Mr. and Mrs. Cardenas both retired from McManus Produce, and Mr. Juan Cardenas opened his own convenience store called "Cardenas Drive Inn Grocery" in Donna, Texas. Both stores--managed by Mr. Cardenas--were known for their barbacoa, a Saturday and Sunday morning tradition that held a special place in his heart.
Mr. Cardenas was also always willing to help others on account of his loving spirit. He would finance groceries and other household items for families at his store in Donna, and he and his wife even took in a young man to give him a home and raise him like their own son. Mr. Cardenas owned and wore guayaberas of every color except for Fridays when he would don his purple Weslaco Panther Football game day polo shirts and caps. He was a lifetime season ticket holder and attended as many local sporting events as possible. Mr. Cardenas was an avid sports fan. Besides the Weslaco Panthers, he loved the Dallas Cowboys, Houston Colt .45s (known today as the Astros), and Chicago Cubs, but could watch all sports. He was the biggest fan at his children's, grandchildren's, and great-grandchildren's events.
Although he had six daughters, three sons, several grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, he had enough love for each and every single one, and he loved each of them in a very special and unique way. Mr. Cardenas always encouraged his children and grandchildren to earn an education because he understood the importance of a college diploma. He was the best father, grandfather, and great-grandfather that anyone could ever ask for in life. Mr. Cardenas' legacy is the family he leaves behind to mourn him, his love for the games of football and baseball, as well as his appreciation for music, dancing, a close, clean shave, and animals, especially dogs.
He is preceded in death by his parents Procopio and Anita Cardenas, his wife of 71 years, Mrs. Minerva M. Cardenas, his son Procopio Cardenas, and daughters: Gloria McFarland and Louisa (Jesse) Hernandez, brother Lazaro "Larry" (Terry) Cardenas, Sr., nephew Aaron (Veronica) Cardenas, and various comadres and compadres.
Mr. Cardenas is survived by his siblings: Minerva (Sam) Garza, Concepcion "Chon" (Eva) Cardenas, Emma (Neto ) Garza, Cleotilde (Tim) Graham of Abilene, Alonzo (Norma) Cardenas, Carlota Tejada, and Carmelina (Kame) Cardenas, and numerous nieces and nephews.
He is also survived by his children: Delia (Felix) Guajardo, Janie (Pepe) Cantu, Yolanda (Hector) Saenz, Juan Carlos (Gracie) Cardenas, Christina "Christy" (Richard ) Aguilar, Norberto "Nerby" (Maribel) Cardenas, and honorary son, Tony (Nilda) Alvarez.
His Sixteen Grandchildren: Ivan (Hilda) Perez, Marla Guajardo-Knaub, Adam (Stevie) Perez, Eric (Doraly) Hernandez, Jennifer "Jenny"Cardenas, Felix Guajardo, Jr., Laurinda "Laurie"Cardenas, Christopher (Krystal) Saenz, Alexis (Laura) Hernandez, Travis (Clarissa) Cantu, Janae Cardenas, Monique (Gesh) Chavez, Juan Carlos "Jasey" Cardenas, Bryan Cardenas, Adan Cardenas, and Isaac Cardenas
Sixteen Great-Grandchildren: Noah I. Perez, Jeremy J. Perez, Lauren C. Perez, Emma S. Perez, Jaden G. Knaub, Peyton F. Knaub, Yazmin J. Knaub, Emily J. Hernandez, Joshua R. Hernandez, Alexander J. Hernandez, Mia I. Hernandez, Sebastian A. Saenz, Mikayla A. Saenz, Hezekiah A. Saenz, Ella Chavez, and Luke N. Perez
Pallbearers are Ivan F. Perez, Eric Hernandez, Felix Guajardo, Jr., Alexis Hernandez, Bryan Cardenas, and Peyton F. Knaub. Honorary Pallbearers are Adam Perez, Adan Cardenas, Jaden G. Knaub, and Travis Cantu. Visitation will be Wednesday, January 18th, from 1-9pm at McCaleb Funeral Home with a Holy Rosary at 7pm. Mass will be celebrated by Father Francisco Solis at St. Joan of Arc on Thursday, January 19th, 1pm, followed by burial at Highland Memorial Park in Weslaco.
The Cardenas family would also like to extend their gratitude to the various nurses and staff from Elara Caring Hospice that tended to Mr. Cardenas during his final days and provided them with support. Much appreciation also goes out to Dr. Leticia Volpe for administering Christ in the Eucharist to Mr. Cardenas at home and to Maricruz and Teresa. May Christ bless you all abundantly.
Visitation will be Wednesday, January 18th, from 1-9 pm at McCaleb Funeral Home, with a Holy Rosary at 7 pm. Mass will be celebrated by Father Francisco Solis at St. Joan of Arc on Thursday, January 19th, at 1 pm, followed by burial at Highland Memorial Park in Weslaco.
What’s your fondest memory of Juan?
What’s a lesson you learned from Juan?
Share a story where Juan's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Juan you’ll never forget.
How did Juan make you smile?