Juan Miguel Cruz

Harlingen - Juan Miguel Cruz, 72, passed away Monday, January 29, 2024 at Valley Baptist Medical Center in Harlingen.

Mr. Cruz was born September 25, 1951 in Harlingen, Texas, son of Miguel Cruz and Adela Hernandez Cruz. He is preceded in death by his father; his brother Epi Cruz and a sister, Maria Guadalupe Cantu.

Left to cherish his memories are his wife, Lupe Cruz; his children, Rene Martin Cruz and Raquel Cruz Ortega; his mother, Adela Cruz; brothers, George Cruz, Robert Cruz and a sister, Leonor Cruz Cantu. Also surviving him are 7 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.

There is so much to say about Juan; husband, father, grand father, and great grand father. He loved his family very much and his extended family; his mother and siblings.. His other love was music. His started with his first guitar, "la tanda", made by his mother: a board and fishing line. He was a fast learner, practically self taught. He learned the trade well. Before the age of 17age he had played with Freddy Fender, Noe Pro, and Felix Trevino during the 60's.

Juan was a hard working man starting at the age of 5. He picked cotton and mowed lawns to help the family out. He learned responsibility at a very young age indeed. At 17, he drove his mother and 5 siblings to Illinois + Michigan to do field work. He was employed at GM in Lansing, Michigan for several years. His love for music grew so that he learned to play other musical instruments. In the 70's his band opened gig's for Los Relampagos and Sunny Ozuna.

Once back in Texas, he was employed by Davis and Coastal Plumbing as a certified plumber. Later employed by Harlingen Waterworks & San Benito Waterworks.

There is so much to say about Juan. His love for music eventually earned him a music award. Fishing was instilled in him as a little boy by his father Miguel. In the 60's the best overnight fishing spots were Arroyo Colorado, Wilamar, and Paso Real.

One of Juan's amazing accomplishments was his double lung transplant on January 2nd, 2018. This allowed him a 2nd chance to enjoy his family, his music and fishing!

Visitation will be held on Saturday, February 3, 2024 from 3:00 pm to 9:00 pm with a prayer service at 7:00 pm at Salinas Funeral Home - Chapel of Grace in Weslaco. As per his wishes, he will be cremated at a later date.

Funeral services have been entrusted to Salinas Funeral Home in Weslaco.