Francisco Jesus Garza

Francisco J. Garza was a proud American who saw many changes in his lifetime. Born in Port Lavaca, Texas in 1931, he grew up during the depression while attending segregated schools. Despite these challenges, he proudly shared stories of how his family persevered by growing food in the backyard garden, getting milk from goats and eggs from chickens while his dad brought home fresh seafood from his job as a commercial shrimper. He fondly shared a fun story about the boys from the various segregated elementary schools challenging each other to a baseball game that ultimately was left unfinished when each principal sent school buses to take the boys back to their respective schools.

In 1948, before finishing high school, he joined the US Navy with his cousin. He was most proud of his military service, particularly of his role as a pilot of a personnel landing craft during the Incheon landing of the Korean War, which was never the Forgotten War for him. During his service, he earned his GED. Upon his return to Port Lavaca after his service, he began an almost 40-year career with the US Postal Service where he held several positions across south Texas.

In June 1960, Francisco married Mary Rose Rios also of Port Lavaca. During their 30-year marriage, they raised two children and welcomed grandchildren into their hearts. Throughout the 60s and 70s, he was very active as a leader in the Boy Scouts of America as well as LULAC and the Knight of Columbus.

During his retirement, he researched the family’s genealogy, studied the history of prominent Mexican Americans of south Texas, collected stamps, coins and comic books, and volunteered at the USS Lexington in Corpus Christi, Texas. He was a loyal Notre Dame supporter, women’s basketball enthusiast and fan of classic TV westerns. However, his most treasured activity during retirement was participation in the Korean War Veterans Association, which in 1983 included his selection as one of the veterans to represent US Korean War veterans at the 50-year remembrance of the signing of the armistice agreement in South Korea.

Francisco was preceded in death by his parents Marcelino and Guadalupe, his sisters Mary and Emma, brother Joe as well as his beloved wife Mary Rose. He is survived by his brother Tommy, children Christine Carrington and John, grandchildren Carlos III, Courtney Carrington, Chelsea Carrington and Gabriel, who carry his legacy of perseverance through their individual achievements.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Francisco J. Garza scholarship at the University of Texas – Austin.