Invite friends and family to read the obituary and add memories.
We'll notify you when service details or new memories are added.
You're now following this obituary
We'll email you when there are updates.
Please select what you would like included for printing:
IN LOVING MEMORY OF
John Patrick
Cantrell Sr.
July 29, 1944 – December 23, 2025
With deep love and remembrance, we honor the life of a devoted father, mentor, and community cornerstone whose legacy lives on through generations of skaters and families.
For 41 years, he was the heart of the roller rink he proudly owned and operated—a place that became far more than a business. Through tireless hard work, long hours, and unwavering dedication, he created a space where laughter echoed, friendships formed, and confidence grew on eight wheels. The rink was his second home, and for many in the community, it felt like home too.
A patient teacher and competitive skater himself, he shared not only his skill but his love for skating with countless children and adults. He taught lessons with encouragement, discipline, and kindness, helping beginners find their balance and advanced skaters chase their goals. His passion inspired generations, many of whom returned years later with children of their own, proof of the lasting imprint he left on families and the community.
Outside the rink, he had a deep appreciation for cars and took great pride in keeping them clean and well cared for. Whether washing, polishing, or simply admiring a vehicle done right, this attention to detail reflected who he was—someone who believed in taking care of what you love and doing things the right way.
His impact reaches far beyond the walls of the rink. He shaped memories, built confidence, and fostered a sense of belonging that will continue long after the final song fades. While he will be deeply missed, his legacy rolls on in every lesson taught, every skate laced up, and every smile sparked by the rink he loved so dearly.
He leaves behind a community forever grateful for the lives he touched and the joy he brought—one lap at a time.
John Patrick Cantrell Sr., 81, of Pottsboro, TX, died December 23rd, 2025, peacefully, at home, surrounded by his loving family.
He was born July 29th, 1944, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, to Ralph and Madge (Hays) Cantrell. He was a graduate of Hillcrest High School.
He owned and operated Sher-Den Skate Center in Sherman, TX, for 41 years.
On May 5th, 1994, he married Carolyn Kinney in Sherman, TX. They had two children, Jake and Emily.
He was previously married to Carol Floyd on August 7th, 1965, in Springfield, MO. Together, they had two children, Stacy and John Jr.
John was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Madge Cantrell.
He is survived by his wife, Carolyn Cantrell of Pottsboro, TX; son, Jake Cantrell of Covina, Ca; daughter, Emily Cantrell of Pottsboro, TX; daughter, Stacy Allen of Flower Mound, TX; son, John Cantrell Jr, and wife, Jessica of Frisco, TX; grandson, Austin Allen of Ft. Worth, TX; grandson, Andrew Allen of Dallas, TX; granddaughter, Kate Allen of Plano, TX; grandson, Brayden Cantrell of Ft. Worth, TX; grandson, Major Cantrell of Frisco, TX; grandson, Cohen Cantrell of Frisco, TX; granddaughter, Harper Cantrell of Frisco, TX; granddaughter, Brooklyn Cantrell of Frisco, TX; twin sister, Judy Wyant of Silver Spring, Maryland; and nephews, Michael Wyant and Brian Wyant.
The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Monday, December 29th, at Waldo Funeral Home in Sherman, TX.
The funeral service will be held at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, December 30th, in the Chapel of Waldo Funeral Home. Chaplin E. C. Ice will officiate, and burial will follow at Georgetown Cemetery in Pottsboro, TX.
Pallbearers are Johnny Cantrell, Jake Cantrell, Austin Allen, Andrew Allen, Brayden Cantrell, Major Cantrell, and Cohen Cantrell.
Memorial donations should be made to Concord Hospice, 719 N. Crockett St., Sherman, TX 75090.
Online Condolences may be made at www.waldofuneralhome.com .
Funeral Service
Waldo Funeral Home Chapel
Starts at 10:00 am
Visits: 1
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the
Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Service map data © OpenStreetMap contributors