Francisco José Cruz, 82, passed away peacefully on Dec. 24, 2025. He was born on Oct. 10, 1943, in San Luis Potosí, Mexico, to parents Lázaro Cruz and María de la Luz Castillo.
Francisco was a longtime resident of Dayton, Texas, where he lived for over 40 years, and was formerly a resident of Porter, Texas. He attended the Jehovah’s Witness Kingdom Hall in Liberty, Texas. A strong and hardworking man, Francisco was a dedicated provider who always stayed busy. He loved yard work, being outdoors, and keeping himself active.
Francisco was a tough but loving father who gave his children everything he could and raised them to be good people. He deeply loved spending time with his family and was known as a jokester who brought laughter wherever he went. His presence leaves shoes that can never be filled.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his siblings Luis Cruz, Ignacio Cruz, and Juana Lozano; and his daughter, Brenda Cardoza.
Francisco is survived by his beloved wife of 36 years, Javiera Iduarte; his sons Francisco Cruz and wife Fátima, James Cruz and wife Yolanda, and Julio Cruz and wife Abigail Galvan; his daughters Marysol Cruz and husband José Fernandez, and Juana Hall and husband Hunter. He is also survived by his brothers Claudio Cruz and wife Carmela, and Mario Cruz and wife Herlinda; his sisters Yolanda Cruz, Aida Cruz, Tana Cruz, and Maria Lourdes Cruz.
He leaves behind his cherished grandchildren: Juan Carlos Cruz, Andrew Cruz, Julian Cruz, Adrian Cruz, Paola Fernandez, Lily Fernandez, Estella Sanchez, Humberto Cardoza, and Victoria Cardoza, as well as numerous great-grandchildren whom he loved dearly.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026, at 2 p.m., at Pace-Stancil Funeral Home in Dayton, Texas.
Francisco José Cruz will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew and loved him.