Richard and Argentina Galvan

Richard Galvan, Sr. 86, of Houston, Texas passed away Wednesday, April 29, 2020. He was born in Houston, TX on January 11, 1934. Richard was a proud member of the United States Marines, serving one tour of duty. He was married to Argentina Alvarez and together they raised six children.

Richard and Argentina met when they were in their 20’s, fell in love, and were married on July 28, 1956 at El Mesias United Methodist Church in Houston, Texas and are a true testimony to the sanctity of marriage for 63 years. They raised their children with love, discipline and instilled the importance of honoring God. He was a long time member of St. Helen’s Catholic Church in Pearland, Texas and a firm believer in tithing; always speaking of his appreciation of God’s blessings of his family.

Richard was self-employed and enjoyed a successful career in jewelry manufacturing, design and watchmaking. He came from a family of watch makers’, his father and brother were in the same trade. Richard together with Argentina built a well-known, reputable jewelry and watch repair shop. Wheeler Watch Clinic was founded in 1957 on Wheeler Street; the office space had a lobby so small that not more than two customers could fit comfortably. Richard worked hard as he and Argentina raised their six children. There were few vacations or time off for Richard. Many years he worked 7 days a week; but when he could, he would join his young family at Astroworld or the special trip to Disneyland in Florida one memorable summer. He moved the business a couple of times over the years within a one mile radius. Today the watch business which now includes a pawn shop remains on Main Street in the Midtown District. He built a strong following of loyal customers he had the privilege to serve for years. Many became his close friends and part of his extended family. He passed his knowledge to his sons and daughters who now manage the business since he and Argentina retired after 56 years in 2013.

Foremost, Richard was positive at whatever life threw his way. Even with all his health limitations he rarely complained. Richard was a kid at heart; he was also strong, kind, caring, generous, and a devoted husband, father, brother and friend. He would help anyone in need even when it meant sacrificing that which he needed. He was a member of Jeweler Board Trade and had a passion for coin collecting, gardening, and tinkering with tools. He enjoyed being outdoors working in his flower beds every opportunity he had. He loved his family and looked forward to a houseful on holidays and birthdays and attending his grandchildren’s school and athletic activities. Any day was a good day when he could watch a movie with one of his favorite actors, John Wayne or Clint Eastwood.

We were blessed to have him as our father.

On May 13, 2020 in the late evening the most beautiful woman we have ever known passed away. Our hearts were shattered as she succumbed to her battle with dementia. Our family had just lost our father two weeks prior; devastated, crushed, heartbroken, and in tears are understatements.

Argentina Alvarez was born August 8, 1934 in Houston Texas. She was married to Richard Galvan, Sr. and together they raised six children. Mom was a chef (several meals a day) seamstress, housekeeper, tutor, counselor, decision maker and most importantly, a loving, caring Mamma.

She like our Dad had nothing but unconditional love and joy for family. If we were happy, she was. That also applied if we were sad, she would switch to the maternal mode and make it better through loving words, by just listening or by whipping up ones' favorite dish. We all had a number one dish and she had a vast knowledge of being able to make just about anything. In our household birthday time meant Mom would happily make whatever your heart desired. Dad's favorites were fried pork chops; lengua, mole, and chicken soup just to name a few and her son, John's favorite were albondigas. We always had homemade flour tortillas just to get a handle on some of the slippery things and soup bones.

Mom's favorite things were her telenovelas or Mexican soap operas, watching the Olympics figure skating and gymnastics. Her favorite singer/performer was Luis Miguel. She still owns every CD & DVD released by him. Mom with her two sisters would jump at any chance for a day outing that would include shopping and arts and crafts. She was a member of El Mesias United Methodist Church her entire life where she served alongside many acquaintances that quickly became lifelong friends.

The later years, after the kids were fully grown, she went to help at our place of business, Wheeler Watch Clinic. It was there Mom was content on the path life had taken her. She was happy just being around our Dad. They were inseparable; did everything together in the later years when they couldn't before.

We witnessed seven years of the slow breakdown of her physical abilities and cried with her as the clock kept moving forward. We cursed this disease for what it was doing to this beautiful person, our Mom.

Forever 85, forever beautiful, forever the biggest heart, forever the best Mom.

Richard was preceded in death by father Frank Galvan, Sr. and mother Josefina Galvan; brother, Frank Galvan, Jr.; Argentina was preceded in death by her loving husband of 63 years, Richard Galvan, Sr.; father Juan; and mother Marina Alvarez. Richard and Argentina were also preceded in death by their two sons Richard, Jr. and George Anthony.

Richard and Argentina are survived by their children, Jaime Galvan, Patricia Davidson (Kent), Mary Rodriguez (Samuel), and John Galvan; sisters of Richard, Dora Miner and Angelita Davis; brother of Argentina, Samuel Alvarez; sisters of Argentina, Consuelo Rodulfo and Lydia LaCour (Raymond); And their grandchildren, Samuel Rodriguez, Jr., Christopher Rodriguez, Kristal Rodriguez, Annalisa Rodriguez, Dominique Davidson, Kyle Davidson, Brandon Galvan, Aaron Galvan, Angelica Galvan, George Galvan, Jr, Richard Hernandez, Juan Hernandez; and great-grandchildren, Aiden Hernandez, Anthony Hernandez, and Emerie Hernandez.

Visitation will be held for both Mr. and Mrs. Galvan on Monday, May 25, 2020 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Both will be honored during a Celebration of Life on Tuesday, May 26, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. with interment to follow. All services will be held at Forest Park East Funeral Home and Cemetery.