Luis Garza

Luis “Louie” Garza, of Brownsville, Texas, passed away on April 3, 2014, after a hard-fought battle at a hospital in Phoenix, Arizona.Born in Manati, Puerto Rico, on April 24, 1972, he made Brownsville his beloved home from elementary school until his graduation from high school. He attended Egly Elementary, Oliveira Middle School and graduated from Hanna High School in 1990. Known by his peers as “Little Louie” for his short stature, he actually stood tall with his accomplishments. From an early age, he gained recognition as a top student academically and earned the first-chair position as a French horn player in the band all the way through high school. He became popular in sports as a fast and fearless defensive soccer player with the Cosmos soccer club and with the Hanna varsity team. He also participated enthusiastically in many other extracurricular activities.Luis will be remembered for his contagious smile, laughter and quick humor. He had an affable disposition, great compassion, unflappable optimism and strong family values. He will also be remembered for his strong work ethic, zest for life and inclination to help others. He loved soccer, golf Frisbee, billiards, salsa music and everything “Aggie.”He attended Texas A&M University in College Station, where he obtained a bachelor degree in business. While in college, he worked as a trainer and manager for Freebird’s Restaurant. Subsequently, he went on to work for Texas Health Spring and later for Cigna. He was the Vice-President of Network Operations with Cigna in Phoenix, Arizona, at the time of his death.He is survived by his wife Charissa A. Conerly-Garza, of Lufkin, Texas, and his children Olivia Marie, Michael and Evan Jacob. He is also survived by his parents, Janis Palma, of Puerto Rico, Hector and Brenda Garza, of Brownsville, and his siblings Melody Garza and Eric Manuel Garza. Other survivors include Melissa Reeves, of Phoenix (Olivia Marie’s mother), Eddie and Nilda Palma, of Puerto Rico (grandparents), Bertha L. Trejo de Garza, of Ciudad Victoria, Mexico (grandmother), Deborah D. Alvarado, of Houston (grandmother), as well as many cousins, aunts, uncles and other relatives.