Robert (Bob) James Cantu, 76, passed away at his home with his wife and daughter by his side on October 13, 2024, in Taylor, TX. Born on October 11, 1948, Bob was a talented musician known for his kindness, generosity, thoughtfulness, humility, and humor. He never met a stranger and would go out of his way to help someone in need.

Bob graduated from Adrian High School and furthered his education by attending Sienna Heights College and Eastern Michigan University. He met his wife Christina (Tina) Ross in the summer of 1967 at Devil’s Lake. After dating for over a year he was drafted into the Army in 1968 where he honorably served during the Vietnam War. It was while he was stationed overseas in Okinawa, Japan that he proposed to Tina and shipped the engagement ring to her just in time for Christmas. Upon his return from the Army, they were married in Wauseon, Ohio in 1971. Later that year, his daughter Amy was born.

Throughout his life Bob touched many lives. He mentored countless musicians throughout the years and would never turn down a jam session. Up until recently, Bob had “happy hour” every night in his music room where he would play his guitar with Tina (his biggest fan) singing along with him. Bob also had a love for his scratch off lottery tickets. He had a method to which tickets he would select, and he won more than he lost. When he could not get into the stores any longer himself, he would sit in the car and send in his daughter, Amy to pick them out. He would quickly scratch them off and then send her back in for more if he had any winners.

In 2001, Bob was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. For 23 yrs. he bravely fought and endured this debilitating disease. He kept it at bay for many years, managing symptoms and staying active working on his property by taking care of the cows, driving his tractor, and continuing to play his music, but in the last year he grew tired, and the disease took over.

Professionally, Bob was a dynamic individual with a diverse career. He was a passionate musician, contributing to various groups throughout his life. In 1963 he formed the “Royal Coachmen” and even performed on the popular teen dance show “Swinging Time with Robin Seymour” along with little Stevie Wonder and Patti Page. In 1967 he formed “The Wiz Kids” touring Florida, Georgia Kansas, Iowa, and a variety of gigs in Michigan. In 1975 he moved to Ann Arbor, Michigan and played with numerous Ann Arbor and Detroit area bands/musicians: “Blue Front Persuaders”, “ADC Band”, Marcus Belgrave (trumpet player with Ray Charles Band) and played Cobo Hall for Lou Rawls Telethon. In 1983 he went on an East Coast tour with “The Temptations” as lead guitarist with 15-piece Motown Band. From 1984-1990 he was the opening band for touring acts in concert including Legendary Guitarist Lonnie Mack and Johnny Winter. In 1984 he formed “The Fabulous Checkers” and was featured on the TV show “Kelly & Company” along with Mary Wilson from the Supremes and Tony Orlando. 1986-1988 He toured with Grammy Award Winning Blues Artist Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown and Houston native Johnny Copeland, “The Texas Twister”. In 1991 he moved to Austin Texas and played on the local music scene including playing at SXSW. In 2018 the Royal Coachman (first band he ever formed) was inducted into the “Michigan Rock and Roll Hall of Fame”. Throughout the years he also worked in Real Estate/Property Management, and various other “day jobs,” but Music was always his love.

Bob is survived by his loving wife, Christina “Tina” Cantu; daughter, Amy (Joe) Gonzales; grandchildren, Zailey, Zach, and Christina Sky Gonzales; brother, Dallas (Vickie) Cantu; and sisters, Mamie Parker, Charlotte (Wesley) Gossman, Mary (Glenn) Snyder, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Guadalupe and Dimple Cantu, and sister, Linda Cantu.

A memorial service will be held at Beck Funeral Home in Pflugerville, TX, on Sunday, November 3rd at 2pm. Bob’s life was a testament to his enduring warmth and the melody of his character, which will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

To Watch the Service Live Stream click below link:

LiveStream