Francisco Ismael Cantu

Francisco Ismael "Kiko" Cantu, passed away on July 20, 2021, in Bakersfield, CA. He was born on September 16, 1936, in Poteet, Texas to Carlos Cantu, Sr. and Maria Saldana. Kiko lived his younger years in Texas before moving to Los Angeles with his family and then later to Bakersfield, CA. He graduated from Kern County High School which would later become Bakersfield High School. After high school he immediately entered the work force in various fields before finally settling down at Varner Brothers, Inc. He would go on to work at Varner Bros for his entire career as a driver and would retire as a dispatcher after 42 years. While working at Varner Bros he would become friends with Alex Sauceda who would later become Uncle Alex as he introduced Kiko to his future wife, and Alex's niece, Mary Ellen Rojas. They were happily married for 30+ years before he lost his beloved wife in 1995. Kiko remained a widow until the time of his passing. Kiko loved to fish. He and Mary spent much of their time together with friends and family taking trips to Lake Success, Buena Vista, and his beloved Morro Bay, CA. He loved to cook for his family, play horseshoes, and gamble! When he couldn't get to Las Vegas or Eagle Mountain Casino, he enjoyed playing "31" with his friends at the Moose Lodge, the America Legion Post 682, or at his close friend "Dunga's" house. Most of all, Kiko loved to have a beer with his kids while BBQ'ing and listening to music. He instilled his love of the outdoors and his "family man" mentality to all his kids, grandkids, and great grandkids. Kiko is survived by his sister, Louise "Chita" Cantu; brothers, Elias and Mateo Cantu; 2 sons, Paul Cantu, Sr. (Beatris), Andrew Cantu (Irma Fuentes); his only daughter, Angie Cantu (Kevin Timmel); 7 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren, godchildren, aunts, uncles, and many nephews, nieces, and cousins. Kiko was preceded in death by both of his parents, his sisters, Angelita Cantu, Mary Fonseca and Cruz Guajardo and his brothers, Gilbert Cantu and Carlos Cantu, Jr., and his beloved wife, Mary E. Cantu. Kiko's Children invite you all for a Celebration of His Life immediately following the funeral on Saturday at the home of Paul Cantu, Sr.