Richard Dean Cantrell

Obituary

Richard “Rick” Dean Cantrell entered into glory after a brief battle with cancer on June 21, 2025, at the age of 63. Rick is preceded in death by his father and mother, James and Edith Cantrell. He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Cyndi; their six children: Lindsey Webb and her husband Sam, Lauren Perry and her husband Adam, Austin and his wife Gabby, Zach, Selah, and Joy; his brother, Randy Cantrell and his wife Debbie; his mother in-law, Edna VanArsdall; his sister in-law, Debbie Tuttle and her husband Rickie; nine grandchildren: Emma Webb, Carter Webb, Matthew Webb, Madison Perry, Oliver Perry, Theodore Perry, Evelyn Perry, Emery Cantrell and Chloe Cantrell.

Rick was born on September 5, 1961, in Altus, Oklahoma to James and Edith Cantrell. Rick grew up in Bethany, outside of Oklahoma City, and the Lord used the faithfulness of Rick’s grandpa, Clifton Dempsey, to show him the power and truth of the Gospel. It was not until after finishing his Bachelor’s degree at Oklahoma State University that he reconnected with his mother’s longtime friend and her family, the VanArsdalls. His first trip to Dallas to visit Cyndi was a whirlwind that left him forever changed. They were married in 1984 and moved for a short season to just west of Oklahoma City where their first child, Lindsey, was born. After moving back to Texas, Rick & Cyndi welcomed their second child, Lauren, and Rick finished his Master’s degree from the University of North Texas after his third child, Austin, was born.

Rick spent his career as a CPA working with integrity and faithfulness to provide for his family and made purposeful decisions that enabled him to be an integral part of his kids’ lives. He served many roles at their home church, LakeShore Church in Rockwall, Texas, including leading the Jr. High youth ministry for 7 years, teaching young adults, tending to the church’s finances, and orchestrating an annual fireworks show. Rick was adventurous, selling their suburban home, and building a house, largely on his own, outside of town.

It was after his three oldest children had graduated and moved away, that Rick & Cyndi met and fell in love with Zach, Selah, and Joy. They welcomed them into their hearts and home and made them forever family in August 2017. Rick enjoyed again the opportunity to care, instruct, protect, and lead as only a father can.

Throughout his years, Rick was passionate about the Lord, the church, traveling, playing (or rather winning) games, cooking for people, and hunting. His greatest joy, though, was his family. Rick loved his wife without reserve and spent his free moments planning the greatest getaways for the two of them. He was an excellent father and grandfather, affectionately known as Poopa, who was dedicated to making magical memories with each of his grandchildren.

This great love of family lured him to leave the church and city he had long called home, and move to Houston in 2023. His last years were spent soaking up the giggles of grandchildren, conversations with kids around apple pie or board games, hosting as many church groups as their schedules allowed, and floating in his favorite pool float.

Rick was laid to rest at Klein Cemetery in Cypress, Texas, on June 25, 2025. A visitation is scheduled at LakeShore Church in Rockwall, Texas, on July 7 at 1:00 p.m. with a memorial service following at 2:00 p.m. The family welcomes donations in Rick’s name to the LakeShore Legacy Fund.

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Memory wall

Service