Jose V. Garza (Joe) 68 of Hitchcock, Texas passed away on Monday, December 5, 2016 in the comfort of his home surrounded by family after 3 years of battling cancer. Born on October 20, 1948, he was the son of late father Wenceslado Garza and late mother Christina V. Garza.
After 30+ years with Admiral Linen Service as their Corporate Mechanical Engineer, Joe retired in 2013 at the age of 65. He helped build the company to what it is today. During his 30 years no one can remember him ever calling in sick, if he did it was rare. Joe was a loyal, hardworking man. He was looking forward to traveling with his beloved wife Linda, and in between with his kids. He loved spending precious time with family and the outdoors. And of course we cannot go without saying he was a huge fan of the Dallas Cowboys.
Joe loved and lived life to the fullest. As a morning person he would say do not waste your day, wake up early, thank God for a glorious day and take advantage of what He has given us, our days are not meant to sleep away. Family will miss his singing and hums especially in the mornings. Joe loved to sing and was good at it, especially old country, old rock n roll, and some Spanish, he was an encyclopedia of music.
Joe was a giving man, especially to those who didn’t have as much or who were struggling. Some families can tell you during the holidays he was their Santa Claus because he would come and surprise them with gifts. He did not need an organization nor charity to tell him to give, he was giving at all times no questions asked, and that was Joe’s gift to himself, to see others happy.
His biggest enjoyment was his family and friends. Loved the company of others around him. It was something he was able to soak up, it was a spark to his happiness. He loved all celebrations, little or big, quiet or loud! His home was always open, no need to call and ask if you can visit, it was in his nature to prepare you with good company and with great food…you would not leave his house hungry! To him outdoors was 2nd nature, from fishing, boating, hunting, camping or just sitting outside soaking up the beauty that surrounds him. Joe was always able to find something to build, fix or clean, projects to him were never hard to find. Joe loved to travel, in fact, road trips with his family were some of his favorites, no matter how far. He would say it’s a shame that not too many people take advantage of the sceneries of our great lands, we are missing out.
It was not a cliché for Joe to say “Live Life to the Fullest”, he lived it and believed it heart and soul. Do not waste your days sleeping.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Wenceslado and Christina Garza, sister, Eva Santiago, and brothers, Manuel and Guadalupe R. Garza.
He is survived by his loving wife, Linda Garza; daughters, Rebecca Garza and husband Michael, Jolynn Garza and Carlos Patina, Jr.; sons, Tony Garza, David Garza and wife Mayra, Stevan Garza and Alejandra, Joe Garza, Jr. and fiancee Carole Mayes; sisters, Felicia Crist and husband Thomas, Yolanda Wade and husband Jesse; brothers Alvaro Garza, Noe Garza, and Wenceslado Garza, Jr. and wife Elaine; grandchildren, Erica, Christopher, Lorina, Heather, Joshua, David Jr., Anthony, Adrean, Aryanna, Christian, Aaron, Nikoli, Jayda, Grayce, and Jeremy Garza; great-grandchildren, Luann, Paige, and Emma Garza; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held from 5 pm-8 pm with a Rosary beginning at 7 pm Friday, December 9, 2016 at Crowder Funeral Home in Dickinson, Texas.
Funeral Mass will be held at 9:00 a.m. Saturday, December 10, 2016 at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Hitchcock, Texas with interment following at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Dickinson.
Serving as pallbearers are Tony Garza. David Garza, Stevan Garza, Joe Garza, Jr. Anthony Garza and Christopher Garza. Honorary pallbearers are Christian Garza, Aaron Garza, Jeremy Garza, Adrean Garza, Joshua Garza, and David Garza Jr.