A tribute to the Texas Rangers was held on July 2, 2011, during the opening ceremony of the 87th Annual 4th of July Celebration and PRCA Rodeo at the Expo Center in Belton, Texas. Texas Ranger Marquis Cantu, along with three fellow Rangers were included in the presentation.

The spectacular event began with an historical portrayal of the legendary cowboy ranger. The skit showed how a lone, armed ranger on horseback tracked and apprehended the outlaw, John Wesley Hardin. When the modern day Rangers were introduced, the cheering crowd rose and gave them a long standing ovation. After a brief description of each Ranger's accomplishments, the Texas Rangers stood in the spotlight with white hats over their hearts as the National Anthem played.

Ranger Cantu resides in Waco, Texas with his wife Frances. They have one son, Anthony, a student at Texas Tech University in Lubbock.

Cantu is the son of Gladys Romero-Jacobs of Georgetown and Valeriano Cantu of El Dorado, Arkansas. His maternal grandmother is Maurene Romero of San Saba and paternal grandparents are the late Baleriano and Rosa Cantu of Brownwood, Texas, formerly of San Saba.

Ranger Cantu attended San Saba Elementary School before moving to San Angelo, Texas where he completed his education. Cantu served in the United States Marine Corps from 1990 to 1994, participating in Operation Desert Storm. After his tour in Iraq, Cantu completed his military service as a corporal stationed in Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii. While serving in the Marine Corps, he received numerous medals and awards.

Cantu has been with the Texas Department of Public Safety for a total of sixteen years. As a State Trooper, he performed various duties for the Highway Patrol, the Narcotics Division and currently as a Texas Ranger.

Proud family members who attended the tribute along with his wife, son and mother, were Steve Jacobs, and sister, Maurene Cantu from Georgetown. Also in attendance from San Saba, were aunts and uncle Elvia Hyatt, Marisela Spears, Marianella and Tommy Johnson.