Elmo Ray Garza

We should always be ready. We never know when God will call us home. Whether young or old, we need to be prepared for that day. Our Lord determines when our purpose on Earth is completed and it's time to leave. Don't let it catch your soul unexpectedly, for there will be a terrible price to pay! This was a doctrine Elmo Ray Garza, our beloved husband, father, and grandfather so fervently lived by and shared with others.

On the morning of Thursday, August 29th, Elmo's purpose on Earth was diligently and lovingly completed. God, in all His glory, came, embraced him and took him to his eternal home. At that time, our Lord proclaimed to our beloved Elmo, "Job well done!"

Born in Corpus Christi, Elmo was the third son gifted by God to Antonio and Elvira Garza on July 23, 1958. Elmo and his brothers Adolph and David learned valuable life lessons from their parents early in life. They were taught love for God, the need to accept responsibility, and the importance of family. These lessons would always stay with Elmo and played major roles on how he lived his life with respect, virtue, ambition, and integrity. Both his parents and his brothers preceded him in death, leaving him with memories he would always cherish.

Elmo attended schools locally and graduated from Moody High School in 1976. He excelled in his studies at Moody, but still found time to meet the love of his life, Diana Castaneda. Their love transcended all obstacles, substantiating their everlasting bond. Their marriage anniversary would have reached forty-one years next month on September 30, 2019. They made a beautiful couple often likened to the Hispanic version of Ken and Barbie. As a couple they were inseparable, popular, and esteemed by many.

Elmo reaped many rewards in life, but by far the greatest were his two sons Joey and Brian! They were his life, his pride, and considered them his greatest contribution to the world. Always taking an active role in their lives, he coached, inspired, encouraged, and supported them in all their endeavors. He was the epitome of a supportive, caring, and loving father. One would venture to say, “You couldn’t find a better Dad!” He went even further than just caring for his own sons. He was also a father figure and mentor to other young men who lacked a role model in their lives. Most of them are fathers themselves now and credit Elmo for their positive roles in their children’s lives today.

Just when Elmo thought life couldn't get any better, along came his grandson Jordan, his delight. Elmo came to realize the intensity of a grandparent's love! It seemed he couldn't do enough for him. Those years he had with him were some of his best!

Males were much more dominant in Elmo's family. He had no sisters or daughters. Just two weeks prior to his passing, in enters his newborn granddaughter, Princess Kenzie. The pictures he got to take with her are testimony to show the amazing love and bond that formed instantly with her.

How glorious that God gave him that short window of time to see, hug, and hold his beautiful princess. God allowed his dream to come true!

Elmo worked hard to provide for his family. He had a strong desire to succeed and achieve, using full use of his outstanding abilities and resources. He was employed at AEP where he advanced from a lineman to a position of prestige. He became the Contract Coordination Supervisor within the company. He was respected and esteemed by all who knew his professionalism and work ethic. He will be sorely missed by his colleagues.

Elmo was also preceded in death by his Mother-in-law and Father-in-law, Virginia and Dionicio Castaneda. He loved and revered them as he had his own parents. They in turn loved him also. He respected them and had a willingness to help with whatever they needed. His Brother-in-law, Dino Castaneda, was also a soul that left to heaven before him.

His survivors, who are left to embrace his memories in their hearts, include his beloved wife Diana, his sons Joey Garza (Erica Soliz) and Brian Garza (Jessica), grandson Jordan Garza, and granddaughter Kenzie Garza. He is also survived by his sister-in-law Terry Garza, nephews Rodney and Aaron Garza, and niece Nikkie Garza. Other survivors include his Castaneda brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Lupe, Richard, Rey, Bobby, Rudy, Janie Rodela, Yolanda Reyna, Patsy Valdez, Esther Hinojosa and all their sons, daughters, and grandchildren.

A visitation for Elmo will be held Thursday, September 5, 2019 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Church Unlimited, 3402 Rodd Field Rd., Corpus Christi, Texas with a “Celebration of Life” at 7:00 p.m.. There is a continued visitation at 8:00 am at Memory Gardens on Friday, September 6, 2019 before Funeral Mass at 10:00 a.m. at Most Precious Blood Catholic Church, 3502 Saratoga Blvd., Corpus Christi, Texas. Interment will follow at Memory Gardens Cemetery.

Pallbearers: Johnathon Urias, Jimmy Valdez, Roy Hinojosa, Pete Ramirez, Jimmy Scott, Jimmy Valdez III, Justin Hoskins, Rene Garcia, and Luis Chapa.

Honorary Pallbearers: Orlando Castaneda, Larry Castaneda, Marcus Castaneda, Rudy Castaneda, Bobby Castaneda, and Bert Colmenero.

Elmo was indeed an extraordinary man. God blessed the lives of all of us who knew and loved him. He embodied all that is good and virtuous in this world. He was a man of honor and integrity. He left his sons and grandchildren a legacy to emulate and define them. He also left loving imprints in our hearts, and memories of him will forever linger. His devotion to God was boundless and unremitting. There is no doubt he now resides in heaven. Rest in peace and bliss now, our sweet and wondrous Elmo. By God's grace we will see you again, when our purpose on Earth has been accomplished.