Eduardo Cardenas

Eduardo Cardenas

Born February 8, 1948 in Brownsville, Texas - died September 3, 2023 in Tulsa, Oklahoma surrounded by his wife, children, brother, grandchildren, niece, friends, and loved ones. Ed was proceeded in death by his parents, Eduardo Cardenas Sr. and Ninfa (née. Antunez) Cardenas, his brother, John Cardenas, and is survived by his brothers Tom (Sheryl) and Chris (Kelly) Cardenas, his sisters Sara Perry and Leslie, his wife Cathe, his seven children and 10 grandchildren: Catherine (Claude), Claude Jr., and Catherine A., Christina (Jayson), Demitria and Gage, Vanessa (Bob), Keegan and Zane, Brianna (James), Madison and Carmen, Julianna (Ryan), Evee and Bellamy, Jonathan (Melinda), and Susanna (Terry) and numerous nephews, nieces, loved ones, and grand pets.

Eduardo graduated from Irving High School in 1967 where he played varsity football, ran varsity track, and earned his Eagle Scout award, also receiving the Order of the Arrow. He developed a strong work ethic by working with his father after school and in the summers. He attended the University of Texas at Arlington and obtained a master's degree in science and engineering from the University of Dallas. He was drafted by the U.S. Army in 1969, stationed in Germany, and served in the Texas National Guard obtaining the rank of Captain. Ed married the love of his life and high school sweetheart, Cathe Densmore, on November 30th, 1969, and was sealed in the Salt Lake City Temple for time and all eternity on May 22, 1973. Last year Ed and Cathe celebrated 53 years of marriage. He served in a variety of church callings which included the Bishopric of several congregations within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, as well as, Elders Quorum President, Stake Sunday School Presidency, a High Priest, Young Men's Leadership, Sunday School instructor, Ward Mission Leader, and Home Teacher. He worked for multiple fortune 500 companies as a national account manager, earning numerous awards and "winner's circle" accolades. In retirement he taught college classes and particularly enjoyed teaching mathematics to struggling students. Everywhere he went, Ed had the ability to build positive relationships so much so that people constantly sought him out to thank him for his influence in their successes. His interactions with the medical personnel of the Tulsa Oklahoma Veterans Administration were cherished. He received exceptional care, and his wife would like to acknowledge the staff that took such compassionate care of him.

Dad was also quick with a funny joke, always providing new "dad jokes." He enjoyed coaching his son's soccer teams, and watching his children and grandchildren excel on the volleyball court. He spent a year of the twin grandchildren's lives assisting with childcare in California. He shared his love of Star Trek and Dr. Who with every person he encountered; as well as, maintained the number one position on the leaderboard of his Wordscapes group, U.S. Patriots. Additionally, Dad: ran 5k's for ten years; hiked the Grand Canyon "the rim-to-rim hike" completing it in 1 day with Cathe; vacationed with his family by tent; trailer-camped in many U.S. National Parks; traveled to Hawaii, Mexico, Belize, and Japan.

He was an amazing public speaker. On May 21, 1992, his father, Eduardo Cardenas Sr., passed and dad (Eduardo Jr.) delivered Sr.'s eulogy which perfectly encapsulated the way Dad also lived his life:

"As I reflect on my dad's life and the influence he had on us, I feel happiness for he was a good man. He loved to get to know you... your children... about your life. He seemed to thrive on building relationships and did so easily. I feel compassion. He loved people, animals, and was a true conservationist. He never shirked from a task. He always wanted to help/volunteer to do an odd job for no pay.

He visited with my family in Oklahoma and the first thing he would do is check the oil levels in the automobiles and the house furnace filters.

He would tell my children stories. One of our favorites was the story about how he lost his finger: He lost his finger while at work on a machine; lost during the vicious combat during the war; a shark bit it off; and mom bit it off during an argument. He loved kids and liked to do kid things. One day, my kids and I were wrestling on the floor, and he had to run over and get his camera to take pictures. My wife was a home room mother for one of my children's school class. A field trip was planned, and my wife was obligated to chaperone but could not make it. Dad jumped right in and took the kids to the zoo, to Will Roger's Museum, and a Gun & Knife show. My wife has known dad for the last 25 years. She commented to me the change that he made once he retired. He seemed to enjoy life more and the love he expressed for my children was evident.

Goals- He always had a check list of work activity. He always expected us to do our best. I remember when I was working for Dad in a small shop. He expected me to work harder and better than the other employees. He taught me humility by having me sweep the floors and clean up others work areas after I cleaned my own. He had goals for all of us kids. Get an education, obtain a good job, live a clean life. If things did not go so well in our lives, his home was always open for us to stay. He was loyal to his employers- always reported to work on time, always came home after work.

He was a family man- I know he loved us kids and mom. There was never a doubt that we were the most important thing in his life. Dad loved his church and was most precious to him the breakfast meetings, the Sunday school classes, the events. He loved to hear you talk and he loved to listen.

He always wanted to be with his own brothers and sisters in Brownsville, San Antonio, and Corpus Christi. His wished to live closer to them as family was his all.

We all have a piece of dad with us. It will be hard to adjust to not having one so faithful at hand. Dad would want us to be happy, to turn to the person sitting beside you and say 'hi, how are you,' and mean it.

I know that God lives, and that Jesus is the Christ. That dad lives and we will someday see him again."

No services will occur per Ed's request. His family would appreciate your stories shared on the tribute wall.