Xavier Arnulfo Cantú was born on March 16, 1951, in Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mexico, to Alicia Elizondo Garza and Arnulfo Cantú. The eldest of four siblings, he had two brothers, Jimmy and Jorge, and a sister, Alice. The Cantú family migrated to the United States, eventually settling in Houston, Texas. Xavier embraced American culture by reading about great entrepreneurs, drawing inspiration from Walt Disney's life story. A spark ignited within him that would guide his future endeavors.

At the young age of 14, Xavier displayed remarkable independence by moving out of his family home to rent an apartment with his younger brother, Jimmy. They both enrolled at Milby High School. With their father unable to provide financial assistance, the brothers started working at Burger King, where Xavier quickly rose to the position of manager. There, he formed lasting friendships and met the love of his life, Ruby Leal. Despite juggling two jobs and school while paying his own bills, Xavier graduated on time with the Class of 1972.

After graduation, Xavier took a bold step into the culinary world, opening his first restaurant, Willie's on Griggs Rd., alongside his business partner, Manuel Vara. This marked the beginning of his lifelong passion for barbecue. On February 16, 1974, Xavier married Ruby Leal, beginning a partnership that would extend through both family and business.

Xavier continued to hone his skills while working in the Deli Department at Weingarten's, where he crossed paths with Jim Goode. Their collaboration led to culinary research trips to Mexico, as well as to Las Vegas and Lake Tahoe, where they sought inspiration for new and creative recipes.

In 1985, Xavier expanded his horizons by opening his second barbecue restaurant, Willie's Grand Prize Barbecue, with Carlos Rodriguez as his partner. The success of this venture led to the opening of a second location on Bissonnet. Xavier's generosity in sharing his expertise made him the go-to advisor for family and friends looking to enter the restaurant business.

In 1989, Xavier launched Texas Grand Prize Barbecue on FM 1960 in Champion Forest. His sons, Xavier Cantú II and Steven, grew up witnessing their parents' hard work and dedication, often lending a hand in the family business.

Xavier's final restaurant, Mustard's Last Stand on Louetta, marked the end of an era. After closing the restaurants, Xavier and Ruby took a much-deserved year off from the fast pace of life, enjoying rare downtime as a family. However, Xavier's work ethic remained undiminished. At 55 years old, he embarked on a new career as a machinist for Emerson, where he worked for 23 years until his passing.

Though we mourn the sudden loss of Xavier, our hearts find solace in the cherished memories he leaves behind. His legacy of hard work, love, and generosity will be carried on by those who knew him.

Xavier is preceded in death by his parents, Alicia and Arnulfo Cantú; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Carmen and Jesús Leal; his granddaughter; his nephew, James Cantú; and his brothers-in-law Johnny Galan, Jesse Leal (wife Connie), Humberto Leal, and Homero Leal. He is survived by his beloved wife, Ruby; his sons, Xavier Cantú II (wife Kris) and Steven; his grandchildren, Liam, Luke, and Xavier III; his brothers, Jimmy (wife Ruth) and Jorge (wife Mary Ann); his sister Alice (husband Terry); his sisters-in-law Olga Quiroga (husband Serafín), Minnie Leal, Anna M. Galan (husband Johnny), María Leal (husband Humberto), Ruth Cantú (husband Jimmy), and Irma Cedillo (husband Larry); and his brother-in-law Ronnie Leal (wife Cass).

**Pallbearers**

- Xavier Cantú II

- Steven Allen Cantú

- Marcos Antonio Cantú

- Raul Rene Leal

- Christopher Ryan Cedillo

- Michael Steven Cedillo

A visitation will be held by the Cantú family on Thursday, August 29th, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, with a Rosary at 7:00 PM. The service will take place at Klein Funeral Home Cy-Fair Northwest, located at 9719 Wortham Blvd., Houston, TX 77065.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, August 30th, at 11:00 AM at St. Ignatius of Loyola Catholic Church, situated at 7810 Cypresswood Dr., Spring, TX 77379. Following the Mass, there will be a Committal Service at Klein Memorial Park - Tomball, located at 32539 SH 249, Pinehurst, TX 77362.