Daniel George Cardenas

Daniel George Cardenas, 65, entered into his eternal resting place Monday, January 18, 2016.

He was born December 2, 1950 to Jose Hart Cardenas and Maria Montes. Daniel graduated from Weslaco High in 1969. It was at Weslaco High where he met his sweetheart, Mary Priscilla Trevino. They were married on February 2nd, 1970 at San Martin de Porres in Weslaco.

Soon after they were blessed with four children. Jeanette Ann was the first born, followed by Yvette Marie, Renato Daniel and then Jennifer Lee.

He rode a motorcycle in his younger years, always living just a little on the edge.

Daniel had many hobbies, some were more serious than others, like his pool game. He was a pool shark and acquired quite few trophies! He even went to Las Vegas for a pool tournament where he was known as “sharp shooter”. He met a lot of famous people during his journeys to compete.

Daniel was also a race car driver and spent many a weekend racing at the Edinburg raceway.

Daniel was an entrepreneur. He earned a living purchasing vending machines and creating a vending route. He mostly rented out the jukebox, earning him the nickname, “Juke Box Dan”. His company was well known and many may remember him through J&D Music and Amusement as he just sold his last machine in December of 2015.

Daniel was most proud of his heritage. He would say that he was good, then grand, then great, meaning he had finally had great grandchildren. Although the grandkids fondly called him “grumpy grandpa”, he always had a joke to tell.

Daniel was preceded in death by his parents, his daughter, Yvette Marie Cardenas Ruiz, and his brother, Renato Cardenas.

He is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Mary; his children, Jeanette (Erasmo) Rocha, Renato Cardenas, and Jennifer Cardenas, his grandchildren, Stacy, Joshua, Samantha, Vanity, Adam, Mathew and Dominick, Donovan and Haley, his great grandchildren, Trinity, Serenity, Siren, his brother, Joe (Nora) Cardenas, Robert Cardenas, Dahlia (John) Gronbach, Aida (Rob) Kelley, and numerous nephews and nieces.


Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 21st from 2pm-9pm, with a prayer service at 7pm at McCaleb Funeral Home. A Chapel service will be held at 10am on Friday, January 22nd at McCaleb Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Sacred Park Cemetery in Mercedes.

Arrangements are under the direction of McCaleb Funeral Home of Weslaco.