Luis David Cardenas, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away peacefully at home to be with the Lord on June 20, 2024. He was born on June 26, 1946, in Banes Cuba, to Rosa Salgado and Luis Torres Cardenas. At the tender age of 7, he embarked on a journey with his parents to Manhattan, New York. After immigrating to the United States from Cuba, Luis initially only spoke Spanish. However, through determination and hard work, he became fluent in English and excelled academically, a testament to his resilience and dedication.
The funeral was held at First Baptist Church of Hornbeck in Hornbeck, Louisiana., on Monday, June 24, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. Burial followed at Prewitt’s Chapel Cemetery in Hornbeck, Louisiana.
Luis graduated from George Washington High School and went on to attend college at New York University (NYU) in New York City. While pursuing his studies in Dental School at NYU, Luis was drafted into the United States Army and bravely served in Vietnam in the Dental Corps.
After serving his country, Luis received orders to Ft. Polk, Louisiana. Luis was honorably discharged from the Army after his service. He built a home in Hornbeck where he raised his two daughters Melinda and Amanda.
Luis was the proud owner of Cardenas Dental Lab and co-owner of West Louisiana Dental Center, where he worked for over 40 years, providing exceptional dental services to his community.
In June of 1984, Luis married Roseanna Bridges Cardenas. They raised four children together, cherishing every moment of their journey as a family. Sadly, Rosie passed away in 2014, leaving behind a legacy of love and cherished memories.
In August 2016, Luis was fortunate to find love again and married Debbie Withers Cardenas. With this union, Luis’s family expanded, welcoming three more sons, daughters-in-law, and grandchildren. Luis embraced this new chapter with joy and gratitude.
Luis was passionate about fishing and hunting with his grandson, Keegan, being outside on his tractor, gardening, cooking, and spending time with his family.
Left to cherish the memories of Luis are his wife, Debbie Withers Cardenas; children: Larry (Mandy) Hair of Ball, Louisiana; Sherry (Tim) Bailey of Argyle, Texas; Melinda (Tommy) Spears of Johnson City, Tennessee; Amanda (Randy) Ziegler of Nashville, Tennessee; Aaron (Morgan) Withers of Florien, Louisiana; Lee (Annetra) Gordon of Florien, Louisiana; and Brett Parady of Florien, Louisiana. Luis embraced his role as stepfather with love and devotion, nurturing these relationships as he did with his own children.
Luis was a loving Pawpaw to Laykin (Bradley) Rush, Kallee Owens, Jordan Hair, Aletha Bailey, Keegan (Mary) Arthur, Cody Gordon, Cayde Gordon, Blayne Withers, Averi Withers, MaKayla Gordon, Savannah Withers, Conley Parady, Brennan Gordon, and Kennedy Parady. Luis was anticipating the birth of another grandchild, expected in July. He is survived by one great grandson, Pierce Matthew Arthur, whom he had the pleasure of loving.
Luis is preceded in death by his parents Rosa and Luis Torres Cardenas and first wife, Rosie Cardenas.
Pallbearers were Dr. Greg Lord, Vernon Clark, Chuck Dowden, Jacob Arthur, Keegan Arthur and Tim Bailey.
Honorary Pallbearers were Larry Hair, Randy Ziegler, Tommy Spears, Lee Gordon, Aaron Withers and Brett Parady.