Carlos Garza

Our beloved patriarch, Carlos Garza, peacefully passed away on Monday, February 10, 2025, at the age of 91, surrounded by his loving family in Houston, Texas. He lived a long and fulfilling life, passing away of natural causes while in hospice care at Sugar Land Methodist Hospital.

Carlos was born in Los Muzquiz, Coahuila, Mexico, on October 2, 1933, as the youngest of three sons. His childhood was marked by a strong spirit of independence and a willingness to forge his own path. Alongside his parents, Rodolfo and Hortencia Garza Trevino, and his brothers, Vicente and Roberto, Carlos grew up in Monclova, Coahuila, where he spent his early years. As the youngest and most adventurous of the three, Carlos chose not to follow in his brothers' footsteps in business. Instead, he moved to Mexico City during his teenage years to attend military school and later joined the Mexican Army, where his strong character and leadership quickly became apparent.

Carlos had a successful military career and became a Lieutenant in the Mexican Army, rising through the ranks rapidly. His dedication earned him the respect of his peers, and he befriended influential figures such as Cuauhtemoc Cardenas Batel, the son of Mexican President Lazaro Cardenas, and Raul Castellano Jimenez, who later became a Senator. During the Korean War, Carlos’ adventurous spirit led him to the United States under the GI Bill, where he became an officer in the United States Army, serving at Naval Station Great Lakes in Chicago, Illinois.

In the early 1950s, Carlos met the love of his life, Elizabeth (Lile) Fernandez from Waukegan, Illinois. They fell in love and married on March 12, 1955. While in Waukegan, Carlos worked at Abbott Laboratories and began his entrepreneurial journey, starting several businesses to support his growing family. He was a true embodiment of the "work hard, play hard" philosophy, balancing hard work with a zest for life that inspired everyone around him. Carlos enjoyed life to the fullest, always making people laugh and connecting others to create successful business deals. His skills in sales and networking served him well throughout his career.

In 1960, Carlos moved his family to Houston, Texas, seeking to be closer to his relatives in Mexico and to enjoy a warmer climate. They settled in the Bellaire area, where he and Lile raised their children. Carlos was a forward thinker who worked tirelessly to provide for his family, ensuring they lived in beautiful homes and created lasting memories together. He was known for his frequent family trips to Mexico, where they celebrated milestones, attended weddings, and cherished time at the family ranchos. His love for his family knew no bounds, and he was always the favorite uncle—someone everyone wanted to talk to.

A true car enthusiast, Carlos found joy not only in buying and selling cars but also in providing vehicles for his children. His entrepreneurial spirit extended beyond business to his deep love for family. Carlos also enjoyed jogging through the neighborhood, where he was well-known and loved by neighbors. He loved connecting others with local services and helping them find the best opportunities.

In his later years, Carlos prioritized health and fitness, committing to a healthier lifestyle after many years of enjoying great food and beverages. He continued to enjoy life to the fullest, watching his favorite western shows, attending live comedy performances, and cheering for the Texans and Astros. He and Lile often spent their time preparing healthy meals together, further strengthening the bond they shared.

Carlos was the pillar of his family. He was always there for his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, offering unwavering support, loyalty, and love. His legacy will live on through the countless memories he created and the values he instilled in his family. He is preceded in death by his wife, Elizabeth Garza; his son, Robert Garza; and his granddaughter, Monica Garza.

Carlos is survived by his daughter, Debra and Wayne Nichols; his sons, Carlos and Diane Garza, Ricardo and Ramona Garza, and his daughter, Linda and Brian Kryszewski. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Laurie Garza, Robert Garza, Daniel Nichols, Stephanie Flores, Vannessa Vasquez, Carlos Garza, Jr., Jennifer Loveless, Ricardo Garza, Jr., Cody Garza, Kristina Herrera, Caitlin Nugent, Matthew Garza, Andrew Nugent, and Abigail Nugent.

During his retirement, Carlos was deeply involved in the lives of his grandchildren, driving them to and from school, attending their sports activities, and teaching them to drive in his newest car. He took great pride in instilling family values in them all. Carlos is also survived by nineteen great-grandchildren, who were the light of his life. Their visits brought him so much joy, and he cherished every moment spent with them.

Carlos will be deeply missed by his entire family, but we take comfort in knowing that he is reunited with his beloved wife, Elizabeth, in heaven—just in time for Valentine’s Day, a reminder of the love they shared.

A service celebrating Carlos’ life will be held on Saturday, February 15, 2025, at 10 a.m. at Dignity Forest Park Westheimer Funeral Home, 12800 Westheimer Rd., Houston, TX. The service will also be streamed live through the funeral home website.