Frutoso Garza, Jr., known to most as Pepe, entered into eternal rest on Tuesday, December 5, 2023 in Falfurrias, Texas at the age of 85. He was born on September 19, 1938 to Frutoso Garza, Sr. and Dora Hinojosa Cantu in Falfurrias. Pepe met the love of his life, Evelyn Lunoff, and after dating for 10 years; they married and raised three beautiful children together. Pepe and Evelyn felt truly blessed when they surpassed their 55th wedding anniversary. Throughout these years, they have treasured making bonds with their five grandchildren.
Pepe proudly served in the United States Army from 1961 to 1963 and played baseball during those years. For over 30 years, he devotedly worked for the United States Postal Service of Falfurrias and was a member of the National Carriers Association. He later served as the Brooks County Clerk for several years before his retirement and during this time was a member of the Texas Association of Counties.
Pepe had a passion for carpentry and enjoyed fishing, hunting and telling a good joke. He was definitely a prankster and loved a good laugh. It seemed like he had a permanent smile on his face and never considered anyone a stranger.
He was a faithful member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church and attended many ACTS retreats. He was known to give advice to the men in attendance that they should never take their children for granted and to hug them and tell them they loved them, as often as possible. He also dedicated many years coaching little league teams, not only because he loved baseball, but also because he wanted to help the children in the community.
Pepe’s parents and his sister, Thelma Salazar precede him in death.
He leaves behind to reminisce upon his memories his wife and life partner of 65 years, Evelyn L. Garza of Falfurrias; son, Jaime (Aimee) Garza of Minneapolis, Minnesota; daughters, Desiree L. (Benny) Martinez of Bishop, Texas and Valerie Garcia of Falfurrias; sister, Adriana (Cayetano) Rodriguez of Corpus Christi, Texas; five grandchildren, Tristan C. Martinez, Easton B. Martinez, Samuel J. Garza, Alaina O. Garza and Jake D. Garcia and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family members.
Pallbearers will be Tristan C. Martinez, Easton B. Martinez, Samuel J. Garza, Jake D. Garcia, David T. Garcia and Danny Arevalo. Honorary Pallbearer is Alaina O. Garza.
A Rosary will be prayed at 12:30 p.m. on Friday, December 8, 2023 at the Funeraria Del Angel Howard Williams in Falfurrias with Visitation beginning at 11:00 a.m. Funeral Mass will follow at 2:00 p.m. at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Falfurrias. Services will conclude with Burial at the Falfurrias Burial Park with military honors.
