Lou Cruz

The family of Guadalupe “Lou” Cruz, 57, will have a memorial and celebration to honor his life and memory at a time and place to be determined in the future. Our beloved, Guadalupe “Lou” Cruz, passed away on October 28th in Lubbock, Texas, due to COVID-19, leaving his family and friends much too soon. You are encouraged to sign the virtual guestbook and share memories and expressions of sympathy on this page.Guadalupe was born September 30, 1963, in Amarillo, Texas. He was the son of Florentino and Margarita Cruz. Guadalupe’s life was defined by a sense of adventure, excitement to bring joy to others, and a desire to help the most vulnerable in our society. After graduating from Lubbock High School in 1982, Guadalupe served his country as a Radar Operator with the United States Air Force and served overseas in Saudi Arabia and the Philippines. He married Jane Lara Cruz on November 29, 1983, in Lubbock, Texas. Guadalupe, his wife, and children lived in Utica, NY for a decade and during that time he first introduced his children to a love of travel and food–two loves that continue to be a driving force in their own lives. Guadalupe lived in Texas, first Arlington then Lubbock, for the last 22 years and spent every one of those days living life to the fullest. His warmth and outgoing personality made everyone, from children to strangers, feel included and connected to one another. Spending time with Guadalupe meant that you likely had tears of laughter running down your face, a full heart, a full belly, and stories to pass on to others. He reminded his family, immediate and extended, of their countless blessings and good fortune and taught them that everyone has the ability and responsibility to share what they can with one another–whether that be a kind word, one’s time, or one’s resources. While our hearts are heavy at this moment, we urge everyone to continue sharing their favorite stories and memories of Guadalupe so that others may share in the happiness he brought to us all.Guadalupe always found the good in every situation and sought opportunities to learn whenever he could. He believed in the transformative power of education and encouraged his children, nieces, and nephews to pursue opportunities that could improve their lives and the lives of those in their communities. In 2015, Guadalupe followed his own advice and earned both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in communications from Texas Tech University. Afterwards, he devoted his life’s work to supporting and caring for the most vulnerable in Lubbock County in his role as a Case Manager for Child Protective Services. Outside of work, Guadalupe was an award-winning barbecue master, avid jokester, and committed member of Saint John the Baptist Catholic Church. As we mourn his loss, we know that he would want us to continue his practices of giving back to the community, sharing in laughter and joy with loved ones, and indulging in a slice of pizza.We extend our deepest gratitude for the care provided to Guadalupe by the nurses, doctors, and technicians at Covenant Medical Center.Guadalupe is survived by his beloved wife, Jane Cruz; daughter Dr. Anna Cruz of Stamford, CT; and son Vincent and wife Christina Cruz of Tucson, AZ. He was the beloved brother of eleven sisters and two brothers: Marta (Tomas) Rodriguez, Janie Hernandez, Sue Gonzales, Beatriz (Joe) Rodriguez, Guadalupe (Raymond) Gamboa, Delia (Alonzo) Alvarado, Margaret Callison, Sophia Flores, Lydia Keenmon, Abel Cruz, Helen (Luis) Carrizalez, Monsignor David Cruz, and Letticia Rodriguez. Guadalupe leaves behind countless nieces, nephews, and godchildren whom he loved immensely.Guadalupe is preceded in death by his parents, Florentino and Margarita Cruz.