Sgt Maj Guadalupe C. Garza

Guadalupe C. Garza was born on November 4, 1935, and went to be with the Lord on March 7, 2025, at the age of 89. 

He is preceded in death by his wife Yolanda; parents Juan Garza and Ramona Garza; sister Endelia Garza; brothers Elias Garza, Oscar Garza; and grand-daughter Miley. 

Survivors include his brother Reynaldo (Ray) Garza; children Edward L. Garza (Rosalinda), Michael C. Garza (Lynette), Richard A. Garza, and Debra A. Garza; 9 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and other loving family members and friends. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital in his honor.

Guadalupe was born and raised in Los Saenz-Roma, Texas and graduated from Roma High School in 1954. While growing up he tended the family livestock and toiled in the family fields for sustenance as he matured. He traveled the South Texas area and the country, working in various fields picking cotton, fruits, and vegetables, eventually getting a job at Caterpillar in Joliet, Illinois, working as a welder.

Guadalupe enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1955 and did his basic training at Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri, and did Advanced Individual Training in June of 1956 at Ft. Bliss, El Paso, Texas as a Nike Ajax Missile Crewman. His Army career had several job changes over a span of 25 years to include Recruiter, Recruiter Instructor, and Career Counselor/Reenlistment NCO. Throughout his career he received numerous recognitions and awards for his work including the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal with 1 Oak Leaf, Army Commendation Medal with 1 Oak Leaf, the Army Good Conduct Medal 8th Award, and the National Defense Medal. He retired at Ft. Sam Houston Texas on December 31, 1980, at the rank of Sergeant Major.

Guadalupe returned to his home in Roma, Texas where he used his experience to serve his hometown as an On-Site Inspector for a new sewer plant that was under construction. He was asked and accepted an appointment to the Municipal Court as a Judge for the City of Roma where he served for 12 years. He served on various County and State Regional Water Boards as a volunteer and held several positions to include the Chair. He ranched on his and his wife’s properties as a hobby to get outdoors, exercise, and to alleviate the stress of work. He always enjoyed working the land.

Guadalupe and his wife moved to San Antonio in 2003 to be closer to the Military Medical Services and had been residents since.

Guadalupe visited many states and countries as part of his military assignments, and enriched his life with the experiences which he would share with his children and grandchildren.

Guadalupe will be remembered for his dedication to his home, Country, love of God, and his great passion for both his immediate and extended families.