Efrain Garza

Dates are important!

He always called to wish happy birthdays, or highlight the upcoming holiday, or some significant family milestone. Interesting how he was born on New Year’s Day 1947 and returned home on Valentine’s Day 2018.

He was born in Raymondville, Texas on January 1, 1947 and moved to San Antonio on February 1, 1956.

Names matter.

He encouraged me to honor my heritage as a Garza and a Cordova because it shows respect to your elders.

His parents were Rogerio Garza and Carolina Garza Garza, both born in the lower Rio Grande Valley, and preceding him in death.

He is survived by his sister, Yolanda Garza Cordova, niece, Jessica Cordova Massey(Robert), great-nieces, Eliana and Sariah; great-nephews, Elijah, Josiah and Jonah. He is also survived by numerous cousins/friends.

Remember the good times.

There's nothing like those moments in time that we got to share together making memories of doing firsts together, bonding over meals, and relishing in family traditions. Then, relive them again and again, especially if it were over a meal, like “papas con carne” otherwise known as picadillo. Even my young twin son sent him a Christmas card this last year wishing him a Merry Christmas as he celebrated with tamales. Uncle loved to eat, or just talk about food as long as eggs and chicken weren’t on the menu.

Efrain graduated from Highland’s High School in 1966. Then, he received his bachelor’s degree at St. Mary’s University in 1970. For 35 years, he taught history and geography at Burbank High School, then went to Highlands High School with short teaching years at Wrenn and Jefferson Davis Middle School

He loved traveling, watching Westerns, wrestling and football, especially the Green Bay Packers. He collected serials on 16 mm film reels, records and books. He enjoyed many San Antonio attractions, like NIOSA, Fiesta Texas and the Institute of Texan Cultures. Efrain loved going to concerts with Three Dog Night, Herman’s Hermits, the Monkee’s and Neil Diamond.

Church attendance was important to him.

He attended St. Thomas More Catholic Church for 46 years, and served for a time in 2004 on the pastoral council

Don't overlook the small places.

I like how he could see special things in each town, and find great historical significance in every town, however small it appeared to be...from Poteet to San Manuel to Lasara. He lived at an assistant living for awhile during his recovery a few years back, and he enjoyed venturing out the most on short “field trips” to small towns like Fredericksburg and Boerne with friends that he made at the Waterford.

When in doubt, consult the text.

Education meant everything to him. He was grateful to attend St. Mary’s University, and then go back to teach High School at Burbank and Highlands. He sought to light the kids on fire about history/geography, although I hear from Mr. Nieto that he seemed to get challenging students, year after year. He kept this passion up until he finally retired in 2005.

He wanted me to get the best education, so he willingly drove back and forth to UT-Austin every weekend while I adjusted to college life so that I could get groceries and wash laundry at home. And even just a few weeks ago, he cut our routine conversation short so he could get back to his crossword. He said, “I’m keeping my mind active.” Local librarians and Half-Price Bookstore employees know my Mom and Uncle as regular patrons today.

If you look closely, you'll see that history turns when people give what they can give.

Cousin Bessie Fernandez said that, “he really had a heart of gold.”

Many of us hold this same memory of him from countless movies he paid for me and my childhood best friend to go to, to flights and hotel accommodations to Las Vegas for family trips and many other kind and thoughtful ways he wanted people to enjoy their time, and forget about their troubles.

Cousin Julie Casarez said it well, ““He was a true gentleman. Always so kind and willing to help. He loved his family so much.” In cousin Maryalice Luna’s mind’s eye, she can still see him pushing Tia Nacha’s wheelchair around Las Vegas.

Reunions are vital because they help you remember your history

He loved the Garza family reunions the very most. It was a time and space to rub shoulders with his cherished aunts, uncles and cousins both here today and on the other side now. Nostalgia and reminiscing put a smile on his heart to the good ‘ole days when life was more simple.

Cousin Cathy Garza said, “I have fond memories of visits with Efrain; quick with a joke or a pun and always generous.”

Cousin Laura Garza-Wilt said, “I enjoyed every moment I got to have with Efrain. He always made me laugh and he picked on my Castillano accent.”

Efrain also loved going back to his alma mater at Highlands High School to catch up with high school buddies, so he went to almost every reunion, including his 25th reunion and 50th reunion 2 years ago.

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His favorite history was best captured in the movie, "The Greatest Story Ever Told" or his other favorite "The Ten Commandments" Although quite the movie buff starting with his collection of reel to reel films that I got to watch on the wall as a screen, he told me how much he looked forward to watching "The Greatest Story Ever Told” and the “Ten Commandments” year after year.

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“One is the loneliest number” by Three Dog Night was one of his favorite songs. My angel mother, Yolanda, kept her promise to her mom that she would care for him until the end, and she did everything she could to tend to his needs and comforts. We are never alone when we turn to the Savior Jesus Christ for comfort, strength and direction. In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen

Written by Jessica Cordova Massey