Birth date: May 13, 1958 Death date: Jul 7, 2026
It is with very heavy hearts that we share that Donald Edward Cantu unexpectedly passed away on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at the age of 68. Don was born on May 13, 1958, to Guadalupe and Elizabeth (Shagonaby) Cantu in Muskegon, Michi Read Obituary
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Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services - The Lee Chapel
6291 Harvey St., Norton Shores MI 49444
Our thoughts and prayers are with you Maria & Vern Smith
Our thoughts and prayers are with you Maria & Vern Smith
Don “Touchdown.”
It’s hard to put into words what losing Don means. He has been part of my life for over 14 years—ever since I became part of Adam’s family—and I honestly can’t imagine family gatherings without him.
When I think of Don, I think of a chameleon. Not because he blended into the background, but because he could fit into any role. He had this incredible ability to connect with anyone. Whether you had known him for years or had just met him, he would find common ground, make you laugh, and make you feel like you belonged. He genuinely cared about people.
If there was one thing Don loved most, it was his family. Every time we’d come into town, he’d proudly catch me up on everything his kids and grandkids were doing. You could see it in his face—there was nothing he loved talking about more.
I’m so thankful that my boys got to be part of that love, too.
Don would drive all the way to Detroit just to watch them play soccer and football. He took them fishing, introduced them to The Three Stooges, and created memories they’ll carry forever. Last summer, Oliver walked into a guitar shop and announced he wanted to learn to play “like Grampy.” We FaceTimed Don right away, and I’ll never forget how his entire face lit up. That moment meant everything to him.
And then there’s the nickname…
“Touchdown.”
When Oliver was learning to talk, Adam and I were determined that one of his first words would be “touchdown.” (If you know us, you know football is basically a love language in our house.) Somehow, we actually pulled it off. Don thought it was the greatest thing. Every time he saw Oliver, he’d have him throw his hands in the air and yell, “TOUCHDOWN!” It became their thing. Before long, anytime Oliver saw Don, he’d excitedly yell “Touchdown!” with his arms raised. A simple word became one of my favorite memories of them together.
Don was at his happiest when he was surrounded by family—especially his granddaughters. My heart absolutely breaks for those precious girls and for everyone who loved him.
The world feels a little dimmer without Don in it. I’m incredibly grateful that he was the person who made one of my favorite people, Deb, so happy, and that he welcomed us into his family with open arms.
Deb, my heart is absolutely shattered for you. Losing your person is a pain I can’t begin to imagine. If you know Deb, you know what an incredible, selfless, loving person she is. She is going to need all of us in the weeks and months ahead. Please continue to reach out, stop by, check in, share stories, and remind her she’s not walking through this alone. And if you pray, I ask that you keep her and Don’s entire family in your prayers.
We’ll miss you, Don.
Touchdown forever. ❤️🏈
I will miss all of our lunch meet ups- catching up and laughing together. Praying for the whole family during this difficult time. Don will be so missed!!
"Glory Days"
I don't think the Chief will rest in peace,
Don will Rest in Joy!
Hey Uncle Don I was so glad to have a visit with you in Metro Detroit a few years back. We had some big laughs and I heard some hilarious family stories I never heard before.
I'll always admire your encyclopedia knowledge of Rock music and your amazing record collection. I send blessings to you and your family. I will keep you all in my prayers. Thank you for a being a good Uncle to me.
Teddy
