I fondly remember Pepe and my cousin his wife Nina coming to visit California when I was a child. We loved their visits. He was always kind and attentive. I’m so glad he was able to come visit a few years ago with Yolanda and Ashley. He will be very missed. 

Don Joe was a grandfather to me. Not by blood but in spirit. He even gave my sisters, cousin and I our own nicknames. He called Pedro Piedro, Krystal Kristy, Violeta Viola and my name is Brianna Karina he called me Harina (yes like the tortilla). He was the only on who called me by my middle name. I knew we had a special place in his heart and he knew he had one in ours. Don Joe was very caring, sweet, compassionate, and most of all he was a very strong-willed person. He taught me several things in life. For example, always do your best and to never give up on your dreams. He was a prime example of that by showing how dedicated he was to his shop. This man got up every morning perfectly groomed and well dressed and ready to go to work. He had such a passion for manufacturing gears. One time when I was learning how to set up the hobbing machines, he saw that I needed help separating the gears and he grabbed the wrench and tapped it with such finesse and loosened the gears for me. (He loved his work so much that he remembered how to do a set up!!!) Don Joe was a man of many talents. We enjoyed listening to him sing. He had the most beautiful voice. He would sing a silhouette and would tell us the story about when he was told he should’ve went to Hollywood. He always beat himself up about never going but I would always remind him that he still had a beautiful voice and tell him that he might not have gone to Hollywood but he did something greater, he built something incredible for his family. Don Joe  Most importantly he taught me to never be too afraid of failing that you never try. I am very honored to have got to know such a wonderful man like Don Joe and a part of him will live in me forever. Choosing to appreciate life and choosing to be happy. I love you DJ and I can’t wait to see you again!!!

My Tio was an incredible man,  I used to love when he would call my Tia Helen “slim”  she would always let out this big smile after.

I loved it so much, that I started calling my husband Gilbert slim without realizing it.  Gilbert’s dad once told us “I call you guys a ten, cuz of our weight.  You look like a one and Gilbert looks like a zero” 😂 I said “don’t listen to him slim” Gilbert’s dad laughed so hard.  After that I started calling him slim.  

The last time we went to Texas; we were at Frankie’s house and Gil and I were sitting in the living room with Tio Pepe watching TV.  Without thinking I said “slim come here” and Tio Pepe turned and looked at me and started laughing 😂 “he said, that’s what I used to call your Tia Helen” Gil smiled and said “ya, that’s were Suzie said she got it from.”

Everyone who knows us asks where I got that nickname from and I tell them “My Tio Pepe use to call my Tia Helen that, I love it so much that I decided to carry on the torch. 🥰 I will truly miss your happy spirt Tio 

Love you always, 
Suzie 

Don joe you are a champion. I remember working on your son’s house in Stafford. Even tough you weren’t able to work next to us , I clearly remember you trying to be involved in the construction process. They would tell you to sit down but you would refuse and that’s because a hardworking man never dies. 
My condolences and prayers to all the immediate family. Don joe you are an inspiration 


Although I met Don Joe during the late stages of his life, that was enough time for me to hold him close in my heart. I considered him my grandpa and I know he accepted me and loved me as I did him. I remember when he would wake me up to drive him to the donut shop throughout my highschool years, even on the weekends, he knew I loved my sleep so sometimes he would cut me some slack and patiently wait. I wont ever forget the time he woke me up in middle school asking me to take him to the shop, I told him I didn't have a license or car and he told me not to worry, that he has a car, he was very funny and sweet.  Don Joe was the perfect example of what a true leader is. He was a determined man who worked very hard to provide the very best for his family, and now it has reflected on all of us. I will forever be grateful for everything he taught me, including his songs and funny sayings. But most importantly, he taught me to never give up on my goals and to wake up everyday with a purpose. Even during his 90’s he would wake up several times during the night already dressed and clean to go to the shop. That is amazing to me, he was a very independent man who knew exactly what he wanted and when he wanted it. He also taught me what it means to truly find your passion in life, and I can tell that his was manufacturing gears, and loving his family whole heartedly. Don Joe will be greatly missed but never forgotten, It brings me peace knowing he is finally resting in a better place and watching over his family.

You would think that because of his age we would all be mentally or emotionally prepared for this huge loss but in reality you’re never really ready to lose a parent or a grandparent. Don Joe wasn’t my grandfather by blood but he was the closest thing I’ve ever had to a grandpa. He was fun, funny, supportive, intense, loving and caring especially towards the end he showed more affection and he told us he loved us often. He was the best whataburger date.  The day he passed I had ice cream and Chex mix (his invention lol he was creative when he wanted his snacks) as I played “como quién pierde una estrella” by Alejandro Fernández (one of his favorite songs because it reminded him of Ms. Helen.) and cried because I couldn’t believe he was gone. I love you don Joe and I’ll forever miss you. Thanks for all that you taught us, thanks for all of the laughs, thanks for loving and accepting all of us. I’ll miss you until next time. I’ll watch “Blood and Sand” as I drink a much needed trágito in your memory tonight. Watch over us. We love you. 

 I am truly sorry for your loss. Your dad will be missed and he will never be forgotten, may his soul rest in peace. My heart goes out to you and your family. May God bless you and give you comfort. 

OBITUARY

Jose Fidel Garza

18 January, 1924 – 16 July, 2021

Earthman Southwest Funeral Home

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