Eddie a master pedagogue and tenor sax virtuoso, was a tireless advocate for the education of the whole child. As a teacher, his influence was positive, lasting, and his impact immeasurable. Eddie treated each student with respect and recognized individual potential, pushing them toward excellence in performance and life. He always worked from a positive viewpoint, whether with a single student or a marching band.
As a young man, Eddie and the Galvan Brothers performed at Corpus Christi’s Galvan Ballroom, playing big band jazz and swing to energetic fans young and old, and alongside renowned musicians such as Gene Krupa, Tommy Dorsey, Stan Kenton and Duke Ellington. For over four decades his own group, the Eddie Galvan Orchestra, played in venues across South Texas. He and his brothers were, for many years, a featured attraction at the Texas Jazz Festival, of which Eddie was a founder.
As a master band director in Corpus ISD, “Mr. G” and his bands brought numerous honors to his alma mater, Roy Miller High School (formerly Corpus Christi High School). In addition to garnering UIL Sweepstakes Awards every year, Mr. G. and his Battlin’ Bucs won Outstanding Band at Six Flags Over Texas and the Houston Baptist Music Festivals. At an invitational performance at the 1968 Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Texas, they were awarded the prestigious Victor’s Trophy. Mr. G was consequently invited to be the guest conductor at the 1969 Cotton Bowl Pageant.
Eddie’s reputation as an inspirational teacher made him one of the most sought-after clinicians and adjudicators in music education. He served as Vice President of the Band Division for the Texas Music Educators Association and President of the Texas Bandmasters Association. From 1973 – 1985, Eddie was Coordinator of Music and Director of Human Resources for CCISD and from 1985 – 1991, he was Associate Professor of Music at Corpus State University. From 1991 – 1999, Eddie was Dean of Music for the Vidal M. Trevino School of Communications & Fine Arts in Laredo, Texas. His reputation for excellence brought many fine teachers to that institution. His positive influence at “VMT Magnet” and Laredo Independent School District continues through their work.
Eddie was a formidable presence, and the ideal blend of talent, commitment, discipline and understanding. His contributions to young musicians were acknowledged on numerous occasions, including recognition as Roy Miller High School Distinguished Alumnus (2001), the Phi Beta Mu Hall of Fame, The Texas A & M University/Kingsville Javelina Band Hall of Fame (2003). In 2000, the Roy Miller High School Band Hall was re-dedicated as the Eddie Galvan Music Center. Along with his brother, Bobby, the Galvan Brothers have a place in the Executive Surf Club’s South Texas Walk of Fame. Further distinction came in 2008 as Eddie was one of the first inducted into the South Texas Region XIV Band Directors Hall of Fame.
Eddie’s large and music loving family nurtured his dazzling talent, and in turn, he inspired countless students across Texas. He loved family gatherings, a good laugh and making people happy with his music. He was always ready with a good joke or a bear hug.
Eddie gave back to his community by serving in numerous capacities, including; Commissioner for the Port of Corpus Christi, The Buccaneer Commission, the Board of Directors for Mercantile National Bank, the Corpus Christi Arts Council, and The Harbor Playhouse.
Eddie is preceded in death by his parents, Rafael and Virginia Galvan; his in-laws Fremont and Kathleen Brooks; his sisters Beatrice de la Vina, Rosa Martinez, Virginia Gonzalez, brother Sam Galvan, sister-in-law Terry Galvan, brother-in-law Joe de la Vina, Lee Martinez Sr., John Prezas, Luis Oliveira Sr. and Arnold Gonzales Sr. Additionally, his beloved nephew, Ralph Galvan III and beautiful baby nieces who are part of the heavenly family tree.
Left to cherish his memory and celebrate his legacy are his loving and devoted wife Nancy, his daughter and son-in-law Mary Grace and Vernon Carroll of Laredo, Texas, granddaughter Kathryn Bridget and grandson Patrick Edward; his son Edward Overton Galvan of New York City: step children Jeffery Mark and Joanna Brewer and their son Joseph of Charlotte, North Carolina, John Gordon Brewer and wife Marcie, and their children, Kevin Edward, Justin Parker, Darby Ann, Evan Wake and Georgia Brooks of San Antonio, Texas: Tava Marie and David Adam Foret, Jr. and their sons, Clinton James, Trystan Greg and David Adam III, of Houston, Texas: sisters Patty Prezas, Mamie Oliveira: brothers Ralph Galvan, Jr. and his wife, Jeanne, and Bobby Galvan and his wife, Alicia, all of Corpus Christi. The family gratefully acknowledges Hortencia Ochoa, Legacy Home Hospice Agency, and Toni Guardiola for their dedication to Eddie’s care.
Visitation will be from 3:00 until 5:00 p.m. Thursday, February 17, 2011 at Cage-Mills Funeral Directors, 4901 Everhart Road. A rosary will then be recited at 7:00 p.m., that same evening at Most Precious Blood Catholic Church. Funeral mass will be recited at 12:00 Noon, Friday, February 18, 2011 at Most Precious Blood Catholic Church with interment to follow at Rose Hill Memorial Park.
Pallbearers are: Lee Martinez, Jr., Luis Oliveira, Jr., John Prezas, Mike Hoeltzel, Arnold Gonzalez, Jr., Sammy Galvan, Jr. Robert Galvan, and Patrick Carroll. Honorary pallbearers are: Tony Diaz, Terri Alaniz, Dr. Maurice Portis, Charles Arsuaga, Ram Chavez, Val de Leon, Elmo Lopez, Paul Elizondo, Anthony Nardillo, Harry Plomarity, Vernon Carroll, Terry Rose, Al Sturchio, Bryce Taylor, Carlos Luna, William Higg, JB Floyd, Robert Parker and Roberto Botello.
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