Edward De La Garza Jr.

In loving memory of Edward De La Garza, Jr. who passed away at the age of 89 on November 7th, 2023. He will be lovingly and deeply missed. Edward was born on April 8, 1934 to Edward and Minerva De La Garza in San Antonio, Texas. He was raised in San Antonio, and graduated 8th grade from Central Catholic. Later he received his GED and an Associates degree at Del Mar College in Industrial Engineering. 

As a child he loved fixing things. He spent his time building model airplanes and fixing electrical items that his teachers would give him to repair. He joined the Air National Guard, and was an airman. He joined the Navy, and learned that he had a high aptitude, so the Navy sent him to “A” school where sailors go to receive technical training. Later he worked on the jets on the USS Lexington and USS Hancock aircraft carriers. During his time in the Navy, he learned about hydraulics, electricity and sheet metal. Edward retired from the Navy as a Chief Petty Officer with 20 years and 9 months of service. He received many awards for his discipline and inventions while in the Navy.

He met the love of his life in San Antonio when Mary Louise was 19 and Edward was 24. They were married on November 29, 1958. For 63 years Edward and Mary shared an amazing life together working side by side to raise a family and two companies.

In 1975, Edward and Mary opened Del Air Company, and later, Del Air R.V. Center. Everything he learned in the Navy he applied to his “baby”. He taught Mary, and later his sons, how to troubleshoot mechanical problems. Edward and Mary’s work ethic and love for learning were passed onto their three children. 

Edward De La Garza will always be remembered for his warm nature, smile, creative abilities and his genuine devotion to his faith and family. His children will always remember him for loving their mother so completely. They will always remember hearing him say things like: “Isn’t your mother beautiful?” and “Your mother is a fantastic cook.” 

Before becoming ill with Alzhemier's, he enjoyed serving as a Eucharist minister at St. Andrew by the Sea Catholic Church and singing in the choir at St John the Baptist in Corpus Christi, Texas. Edward De La Garza was a member of the Knights of Columbus. He became a member on June 14, 1980.  He proudly became a Fourth Degree Knight on October 26, 2013.

Edward is preceded in death by both of his parents, his brother Roland De La Garza and his sister Teresa Bird.

Edward is survived by his wife Mary Louise De La Garza; his sons, Edward De La Garza III (Lisa), Robert De La Garza; his daughter, Melissa Allis (Tom); his sister-in-law, Melinda Monge; grandchildren, Devon Hellman (Tyler), Ashley Kozub (Cody) and Katie Monaghan (Mike); great grandchildren, Emerson Hellman, Elias Hellman, Archer Hellman, Leah Kozub; siblings, Raul De La Garza (Alicia), Bobby De La Garza, Rosemary Drake; niece and nephews, Annette Franklin, Michael De La Garza, Carmelo, Jr. and many more.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 9:00pm on Monday, November 20, 2023 at Seaside Memorial Park and Funeral Home. A rosary will be recited at 7:00pm that same evening. A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00am on Tuesday, November 21, 2023 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church. Interment to follow at Corpus Christi Veterans Cemetery.  

Having the distinguished honor to serve as pallbearers are Edward De La Garza III, Robert De La Garza, Tom Allis, Michael De La Garza, Bobby Joe Garcia and Mark Bigley.

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