Stephen Garza

Stephen "Steve" Garza, also known as Captain Garza, beloved husband passed away Thursday July 26, 2007 at the age of 52 years old. He was born May 6, 1955 in San Antonio, Texas, the only son born to Guadalupe and Esteban Garza. He was preceded in death by his beloved mother, Guadalupe Garza and father, Esteban Garza.

He is survived by his wife and best friend of 25 years, Blanca Estela Garza; brother-in-law, Jesse Garcia; sisters: Maria Rosalinda Garcia and Elinda Belous; nephew, Jesse Garcia Jr., nieces: Vanessa Sandoval and husband, David and her son, Ryan Munoz; and Crystal Belous; aunt Mary E. Villarreal and husband, Kike; uncles: Alfredo Rodriguez, Anciano Rodriguez and wife, Sylvia; aunt, Teresa Garza, uncle Jose Garza and wife Bertha, Benita Marroquin and Beva Garza, cousins: Mimi Alaniz and Fifi Marroquin, as well as numerous nieces with warm affection for Nina Alvarez and Adriana Perez, nephews, other relatives and close friends whom he shared his life.

He learned early how hard life can be when he lost his father at the age of 14. Inspired by his beloved mother Guadalupe, who later was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and whom he saw her strength and will to live, took the responsibility to care for her at home until her death.

She was his foundation and sole inspiration that led him to receive his degree from Southwest State University with 5 majors including a Teaching Certificate. In 1981, he was hired by the Bexar County Sheriff's Office with the rank of Lieutenant as a Budget Officer and Texas Peace Officer, and with hard work and dedication was promoted to Captain Garza for 15 years.

In 1996 and 2000, he was a candidate for Bexar County Sheriff. Also in 1996, he established his own business as President and CEO, Global Security & Investigations Alamo Heights, Inc., operating as a Licensed Private Investigator and Law Enforcement Officer. Soon after, he was hired by Gonzalez Police Department as Captain Special Operations Unit.

Later in 2002, he became the first Hispanic Republican nominee for the Bexar County Sheriff's race. In 2004, he ran for Constable Precinct 2 in Bexar County. In 1 of 200 candidates, he was appointed and holds a United States Customs Cross Designated Commission in the State of Texas. He continued his commission as an Investigator through the Gonzales County District Attorneys Office. Recently, for two consecutive years, he earned the Best Business Man Award.

Though he lived a short life, he managed to accomplish more than most can accomplish in one lifetime. He was proud to be a public servant with all his knowledge, integrity, commitment, honesty and dedication for the community and his loved ones.

In memory of his beloved mother and father, and his passion for horses Shasta, Stephen founded the Garza Iron Horse Ranch. He inspired everyone whose life he touched. Stephen Garza has now joined his dearly loved mother, Guadalupe Garza and father, Esteban Garza.

Steve you will be missed by all but no one can miss you more than Sugar, Samson and I. You will always live in my heart and be part of my daily life and the time will come when I will join you.

I will forever Love You.

Visitation Sunday, July 29th from 10:00 A.M. to 9:00 P.M.