Jesse Morales Garza

Born on March 23, 1932, to Santos and Lita Garza of Austin, Texas. Jesse was the oldest son in a loving family with 5 other children. He graduated from Austin High in 1950 and joined the Texas Army National Guard. He went to trade school in San Angelo, Texas where he learned what would become his life’s trade, printing. He eventually became a Master Lithographer for the Whitley Company, from which he retired after 35 years.

In 1953, he met and married Gloria Guerra, the mother of his four children. They parted ways in 1982. Then in 1983, he met and fell in love with Janie Contrareas. They married in 1984. They were given 34 happy, loving years together before her passing in 2018.

Throughout his life Jesse shared his love for adventure with his family. He became a scoutmaster from 1962 until 1970 and enjoyed many camping trips with his son. His favorite pastime became packing up the Travel-All and heading out to see the sights. He took every opportunity to travel and give his children the experiences of new places. He also would take family and friends along. He became “Uncle Jesse” to many of his children’s friends when they were young and is still revered by them today.

During his life Jesse began to build on his Catholic faith that his mother instilled in him as a child. He began sharing his faith by becoming an active member and worker for St. Vincent de Paul. He was also a Fourth Degree Knight with the Knights of Columbus, earning Knight of the Year and an Award of Merit during his service. His faith then took him down another path… In June of 1998 he began his life as a Deacon at Sacred Heart Parish in Austin, Texas. He retired in November of 2011.

He was preceded in death by his wife Janie Garza, his parents, sisters Narcissa Trujillo and Frances Saldana, his daughter in law Karen Grabbs, stepdaughters Yolanda Martinez, Deborah Contreras, step grandson Jesse Martinez

He leaves to treasure his memory three sons, Gary W. Garza and wife Diane of Arlington, Texas. Dave M. Garza of Saginaw, Texas and Tom R. Garza of Austin, Texas. One Daughter Gina Garza of Austin, Texas. Eight Grandchildren, eleven great grandchildren and one great-great granddaughter. His brother Santos Garza and wife Grace, Sisters Margaret Lopez, and husband Isidoro, Mary Dorman and husband Claude- his best friend of many, many years. and Numerous nieces and nephews.Three stepsons George Contreras and wife, Angie of Pflugerville, Texas, John Contreras and wife Noemi of Dripping Springs, Texas, David Contreras and wife Rebecca of Round Rock, Texas. Along with numerous step grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers please donate to the St. Vincent de Paul ministry.

A visitation for Jesse will be held Tuesday, September 26, 2023 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Funeral Home, 14501 North Interstate 35, Pflugerville, Texas 78660. A rosary service will occur Tuesday, September 26, 2023 from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM, 14501 North Interstate 35, Pflugerville, Texas 78660. A funeral service will occur Wednesday, September 27, 2023 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM at St. Albert the Great Catholic Church, 12041 Bittern Hollow, Austin, Texas 78758. A committal service will occur Wednesday, September 27, 2023 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 14501 North Interstate 35, Pflugerville, Texas 78660.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.cookwaldencapitalparks.com for the Garza family.