Benito "Donald" Cantu, age 69, of Manassa, Colorado, passed away on January 9, 2026. He was born on September 13, 1956, in Alamosa, Colorado, to Benito and Ruth Cantu and was raised by his grandparents, Carlos and Olivama Cantu.

Donald graduated from Centauri High School in 1974. Throughout his working years, he was known as a hardworking and dependable man, holding various roles as a mechanic, miner, and parts clerk.

Donald was known for his contagious laugh, unforgettable sense of humor, and his ability to make everyone around him smile. He treasured time spent with his family, friends, and grandchildren. A lifelong lover of music, Donald was always the life of the party and will be remembered for the joy music brought into his life and the lives of others. He also enjoyed playing scratch tickets, visiting the casino, and cheering for his favorite sports teams. His laughter and joy filled every room he entered, and he will be deeply missed.

Donald is survived by his wife, Clara Martinez of Manassa, Colorado; his sisters, Bennett and Phyllis Cantu of Albuquerque, New Mexico, and Carla (John) Mangrum and Thelma (Jerry) Ratz of Colorado Springs, Colorado; his brother, Leonard (Evelyn) Cantu of Manassa, Colorado; his children, Jared Valdez, Dana (Jayson) Lopez of Alamosa, Colorado, and Sara Mashburn of Kansas City, Missouri; his grandchildren, Adriel Valdez, Liam Valdez, and J.J. Lopez, Damion (Jahomy) Fragoso, Shayla Corse, and Kainen Aguilar ; his great grandkids Eva Rose, and Ellie Beth; and his nieces and nephews, Andy (Liz) Mangrum and John Jr.(Lydia) Mangrum, Ben Ratz, Angel Cantu, Sarah Gilleland, and Michael Sowards.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Benito and Ruth Cantu; his grandparents, Carlos and Olivama Cantu; his uncle, Anthony Cantu; and his niece, Melissa Albrand.

Per his wishes, cremation was chosen. A Mass and celebration of life will be held on Saturday, June 20, 2026 at 10:30 a.m. at Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church in La Jara. Rogers Family Mortuary is on care of arrangements. To leave online condolences, tributes and words of comfort for Donald's family please visit www.RogersFunerals.com.