Jose Luis Garza Baeza

Jose Luis Garza Baeza, 71, passed away on November 10, 2025, in Cedar Park, Texas. He was born on July 29, 1954, in Imperial, Texas, to Maria Salgado Baiza and Manuel Baiza, and was lovingly adopted by Valeriano Baeza and Maria P. Baeza, who raised him with deep love and devotion. Joe was raised in Fort Stockton, Texas, where he grew up surrounded by family and friends, and proudly graduated from Fort Stockton High School.

At age 19, Joe married Rosario Calvillo, and together they welcomed three daughters: Roxanne Baeza, Rosemary Pond, and Angelica Baeza. He was a proud grandfather to Ciara M. Gancar, Derian M. Gancar, Dylan P. Devine, Lane G. Devine, Adelina H. Baeza, Arianna S. Frerrer, Katalina R. Ramirez, and Katherine V. Pond. His most recent joy was welcoming his first great-grandson, Atlas E. Gancar.

On July 4, 2004, Joe married the love of his life, Elizabeth L. Baeza. Together, they built a beautiful life filled with companionship, laughter, and unwavering partnership.

Joe proudly served four years in the United States Army, achieving the rank of SP5 (Specialist Five). He went on to serve as a Police Officer and SWAT team member in Dallas, Texas, and later became a high school law enforcement teacher, shaping and inspiring countless students. He continued his service to the community as Assistant Chief at Fair Oaks Police Department. Later in life, he earned a master’s degree from Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi, an accomplishment he cherished.

After retirement, Joe embraced his passion of golf. Working part-time in a golf community, he made friends from all over the world. He was known for his kindness, humor, and warm spirit.

Joe was a devoted husband, father, son, brother, uncle, and friend. He protected and cared for those he loved and lived his life with loyalty, humility, and heart.

Joe is preceded in death by his biological parents Maria Salgado Baiza and Manuel Baiza, his adoptive parents Valeriano and Maria Portillo Baeza, his wife Hermalinda S. Baeza, and his siblings Elpidio Baeza, Enemencio Baeza, Cecilio Baeza, and Elena B. Villarreal.

He is survived by his siblings Alvaro Baeza, Manuel Baiza Celaya, Julio Baeza, Candelario Baeza, Florinda Ramirez, and Delia Villarreal, along with many nieces and nephews who loved him dearly. He leaves behind a large family who will forever cherish his memory.

Joe lived a life of service, honor, and love. His legacy continues in the lives he protected, the students he guided, and the family and friends who feel blessed by his presence.

A visitation will be held at Funeraria Del Angel Roy Akers, located at 515 North Main Ave, San Antonio, TX 78205, on November 30, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

A rosary will take place at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 8134 Blanco Rd, San Antonio, TX 78216, on December 1, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. with the funeral mass following immediately afterwards at 10:00 a.m.

The committal service is scheduled to follow at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, 1520 Harry Wurzbach Rd, San Antonio, TX 78209, at 11:30 a.m.