Dr. Nicanor Galvan Jr.

Dr. Nicanor “Nic” Galvan Jr., age 87, fell asleep in the Lord’s arms peacefully on June 23, 2025, surrounded with laughter, love and music. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, veteran, educator, and mentor. He lived a life filled with service and accomplishment.

Nic was born in Raymondville, Texas in 1937 and was raised in San Diego, Texas. He proudly served his country as a member of the United States Air Force where he achieved the rank of Senior Master Sergeant. His distinguished military career took him many places around the world, including: Korea, Vietnam, England, Greece, Florida, New York, Texas and California. Nic would often remark that no matter where he traveled, he would always find someone from San Diego, Texas.

During and after his military service, he earned two Masters degrees and a Doctorate of Education. Nic continued to dedicate his life to education and service. He served as a Dean at Bee County College and as a Dean at Texas State Technical Institute in Waco, Texas. Nic also taught ESL, Spanish and served as a counselor at Waco High School. During his 24 years in education, he had a passion for helping students realize their full potential. He remained an educator until retiring in 2004. Nic was a high school football enthusiast who loved going to as many games as possible, whether home or away.

In recent years, he lived in an assisted living facility near his daughter Vanna in San Antonio, where he enjoyed his beloved “walk-abouts,” card games with friends, swapping stories with staff, studying Italian, and the cherished phone calls and visits from his family. He especially loved dancing to good old rock ’n’ roll music. Two of his favorite sayings were “Always do your best!” and “Everyday is a holiday.”

Nic was preceded in death by his parents, Nicanor and Lucia Galvan, and by his sister, Betty Schiemenz. He is survived by his wife Adamantia Houliara Galvan; his children: Vanna Organ (Daniel), Joan Elizondo (Javier), Nicanor “Nick” Galvan (Beth); his five grandchildren: Alexandra Organ, Sebastian and Augustine Elizondo, Ace and Gage Galvan; his siblings: Lucia Galvan, Noemi (Herbert) Eling, Guillermo (Vergie) Galvan, as well as brother-in-law, Robert Schiemenz, and many beloved nieces and nephews.

A visitation will be held on July 17, 2025, from 5–8 p.m. at Porter Loring Mortuary, 1101 McCullough Ave., San Antonio, Texas. Funeral services will follow on July 18, 2025, at 9:30 a.m., also at Porter Loring, with interment at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery. Pallbearers include Anthony Galvan, Chris Galvan, Sean Galvan, Scotty Galvan, Ace Galvan, and Gage Galvan.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Nicanor Galvan Jr.’s memory to The Wounded Warrior Project, The American Diabetes Association, or The American Heart Association.