Jose Hilario Garza Sr.

Jose Hilario Garza, Sr. entered into eternal rest on Tuesday, August 1, 2017 at Amara Hospice Center in Edinburg, Texas at the age of 89. Jose was born on December 21, 1927 to Jose Garza and Patrocinia Canales Garza in Falfurrias, Texas. Jose bravely and proudly served our county in the United States Coast Guard, on the USS Newell, as a Fire Controlman Petty Officer-Second Class during WWII until he was honorably discharged in May of 1946. Jose was a rancher and cowboy and then took over his father’s restaurant business in Falfurrias, the Palace Café, which was considered the “hangout place with the best enchiladas” back in the day. He was the owner of the restaurant for many years and later decided to rename it to Joe’s Restaurant.

In the late 60’s he met and married the love of his life, Josefita Garza. A few years later, Jose was elected as the Brooks County Sheriff in 1971 where he faithfully served the county for four years. Throughout his lifetime he took great pride in being a rancher. After their retirement, Jose and Josefita continued to maintain the ranch they owned, the Sacrificio Ranch, which was located in Brooks and Jim Wells Counties. Ranching was a big part of their lives and they both had a passion for it.

Jose was welcomed into the gates of Heaven by the embrace of the Lord along with his parents; daughter, Nelda Fagan and his two sisters, Beatriz Trad and Vicenta Cantu.

He leaves behind to cherish the wonderful memories made his loving wife of over 48 years, Josefita “Fita” Garza of Falfurrias; daughters, Patty Rose (Lamar) Ramirez of Edinburg, Rose Mary (John) Mounts of Ennis, Texas and Deborah Garza of Alice, Texas; son, Jose Hilario Garza, Jr. of Edinburg; numerous grandchildren; great-grandchildren; nieces; nephews; extended family members and friends.

Memorial Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 5, 2017 at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Falfurrias with Military Honors to follow.