Daniel D. Tamez, Sr.

Mr. Tamez was born in Bustamante, Nuevo Leon, Mexico on July 4, 1914 to Santiago Tamez Elizaldi and Blasa Gutierrez Garza.

After his father died when the Spanish influenza swept over Mexico during the early 1900's, he and his mother and four sisters moved to the United States and settled in San Antonio.

After completing his schooling, he began a long career in San Antonio in piano sales beginning in 1936 and in 1960 became the sole owner of the American Piano Company and the ABC Piano Shop. Known as "Dan the Piano Man", Mr. Tamez for over four decades enjoyed managing his business until his retirement in 2002.

He also served as a member on the Board of Directors for the San Antonio Retail Merchants Association for over 25 years. He and his now deceased wife, Luz, enjoyed participating in many civic and social activities such as their 12-year membership in the Club Sembradores de Amistad de San Antonio, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting friendship and civic progress through education.

Mr. Tamez was an avid "Spurs" fan and a season ticket holder for over 20 years. In addition he was very passionate about the game of golf which he enjoyed playing for many years with long-time friends.

Mr. Tamez was preceded in death by his father and mother; his loving wife, Luz Gonzalez Tamez, who was a sister to deceased Congressman Henry B. Gonzalez; and sisters, Otilia Whitt, Teresa Ballesteros, and Maria Flores. Survivors: Son, Dr. Daniel D. Tamez, Jr. and wife Annalisa of New Braunfels; daughters, Mary Lou Johnson and husband, Ken ; Irma Thomas and husband, Jim of Trophy Club; and Josephine Culpepper and husband, Gene of Houston; sister, Blasa Tamez; six grandchildren: Alyssa Tamez, Daniel D. Tamez III, Jennifer Tamez, John Daniel Thomas, Sarah Ruth Thomas, and Sara Marie Edwards; 3 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers: Steven Gonzalez, Frank Gonzalez, Charles Gonzalez, Henry B. Gonzalez, Jr., Homer Whitt and Alfredo Flores, Jr.

The family wishes to express special thanks and their deepest gratitude to Ignacio Corral and Elsa Salinas who lovingly and faithfully cared for Mr. Tamez in the last few years of his life.