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William Cantrell: Jan. 26, 1944-Oct. 21, 2026

He enjoyed dancing, played the trumpet with the Havlak Polka Band, and even learned the Czech language. He volunteered at the Texas Czech Heritage and Cultural Center and was a member of the Knights of Columbus.

William Clyde Cantrell, 82, passed away on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, in Kerrville, Texas, leaving behind treasured memories, countless stories, and a legacy of love and laughter.  His sense of humor, outgoing personality, and love for those around him made him truly one of a kind.

Born on January 26, 1944, in San Angelo, Texas, Clyde graduated from San Angelo Central High School in 1961. He was a proud member of the Fighting Texas Aggie Class of 1965, graduating from Texas A&M University in 1966 with a degree in Agricultural Economics. His Aggie pride remained with him throughout his life

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Clyde had a deep appreciation for Czech heritage and a lifelong love of polka music. He enjoyed dancing, played the trumpet with the Havlak Polka Band, and even learned the Czech language. He volunteered at the Texas Czech Heritage and Cultural Center and was a member of the Knights of Columbus.

Clyde never met a stranger and could strike up a conversation with just about anyone. He loved telling stories and making people laugh. He had a unique sense of humor and, as his family would agree, a stubborn streak that was simply part of being Clyde. He also enjoyed traveling, especially his visits to Stuart, Florida, where he looked forward to attending the Martin County Fair. Whether enjoying the fair, visiting with people, or simply taking in the experience, these trips were something he truly enjoyed.

Above all, Clyde loved his family. One of his greatest joys was being involved in the lives of his grandchildren. He especially loved attending their sporting events and stock shows.  Being there for those special moments meant a great deal to him,

Clyde was preceded in death by his parents, Johnnye and Hayward Krall and Norman Cantrell; and his brother, Owen Cantrell.

He is survived by his children, Jodi (John) Werner, Justin (DeAnn) Cantrell, and Jaime Cantrell; his grandchildren, Christopher (Courtney) Werner, Joshua (Dominique) Werner, Johnna (Jason) Williams, Payton Cantrell, Ciersten Werner, Katelyn Cantrell, and Jack Werner; and his great-grandchildren, Paige Werner, Ashton Vasquez, Lexi Werner, and Wylie Williams.

A Rosary will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, with a Funeral Mass to follow at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Comfort, Texas. Burial will follow at Comfort Cemetery.

Serving as pallbearers will be Clyde’s grandsons, Christopher Werner, Joshua Werner, and Jack Werner; his grandson-in-law, Jason Williams; his son-in-law, John Werner; and friend of the family Tommy Rausch.

Honorary pallbearers will be his granddaughters, Johnna Williams, Payton Cantrell, Ciersten Werner, and Katelyn Cantrell.

Clyde’s children would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to their mother, Joan Ford, and their aunt, Ruthie Strube, as well as Kari Lindner, Andrea Castro, and Dawn Collum, for their love and unwavering support during this difficult time.

The family also extends its deepest appreciation to the doctors, nurses, physical therapists, and occupational therapists at Peterson Regional Medical Center for their compassionate care. Special thanks to nurses Morgan, Jess, Melissa, Connie, Jeff, Tiffanee, Sondra, and Inca, and physical and occupational therapists Ryan, Courtney, Nick, and Olga. Their kindness, compassion, and genuine concern for Clyde and his family will always be remembered.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Knights of Columbus Council #16180 Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Comfort, Texas or the Texas Czech Heritage and Cultural Center in La Grange, Texas.

Author

Growing up in Southern California, Louis Amestoy remained connected to Texas as the birthplace of his father and grandfather. Texas was always a presence in the family’s life. Amestoy’s great-grandparents settled in San Antonio, Texas, drawn by the city’s connections to Mexico and the region’s German communities. In 2019, Louis Amestoy saw an opportunity to make a home in Texas. After 30 years of working for corporate media chains, Louis Amestoy saw a chance to establish an independent voice in the Texas Hill Country. He launched The Lead to be that vehicle. With investment from Meta, Amestoy began independently publishing on Aug. 9, 2021. The Amestoys have called Kerrville home since 2019.

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