Manuel G. Garza Jr.

Manuel G. Garza Jr., age 89, passed away peacefully on October 4, 2026, leaving behind a beautiful legacy. Manuel was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend. For 70 wonderful years, he shared his life with his beloved wife, Cecilia “Diana” Garza. Together, they built a family filled with love, laughter, traditions, and countless memories that will continue to live on through the generations.

Manuel will be lovingly remembered by his children, Eddie (Linda) Garza, Rick (Lisa) Garza, Linda (Cheo) Barrera, Rey Garza, Joe Garza, Consuelo (Miguel) Barrera-Luna, and Mary (Marty) Beeson; 23 grandchildren; 38 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings, Oscar (Maggie) Garza Sr., Janie Garcia, and Lolis Cantu; his in-laws, Gloria Gutierrez, Mary Lou (Ernie) Ramirez, Danny (Santa) Gonzalez, and Leea Gonzalez; and his dear compadres, Gerardo (Alicia) Saenz. Manuel will also be dearly missed by his many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, who were blessed to know him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Manuel Garza Sr. and Ignacia Garza; his siblings, Arnulfo (Gloria) Garza, Reyes Garza, and Margarita Garza; his father- and mother-in-law, Pedro (Aurora) Gonzalez Sr.; and his brothers- and sisters-in-law, Guadalupe Garcia, Ray Cantu, Cheo (Cuca) Gonzalez, Elvia Cantu, Beto Gutierrez, Pete Gonzalez, Jr., and Henry Gonzalez. He was also preceded in death by his dear compadres and friends, Jesus (Consuelo) Zamudio, Ramon (Estella) Otero, Mike (Connie) Raya, Francisco (Guadalupe) Barrera, and Miguel (Salud) Luna, along with many other loved ones whose memories will forever remain in his heart.

Manuel was a proud Texan who carried his heritage and love for his Mexican culture with great pride. For many years, he shared his love of music as a performer in a mariachi band at Ramon’s El Dorado in Collinsville, Illinois, and also performed at fiestas with the band, Los Amigos. He was a proud member of the Sociedad Mexicana Benito Juarez, where he enjoyed celebrating and preserving the culture, traditions, and heritage that meant so much to him.

Manuel was a man who truly enjoyed the simple pleasures of life. He loved watching classic cowboy movies, professional boxing, and enjoying a delicious banana split. He was a natural jokester who loved to tell a good story and bring laughter to those around him. Most of all, Manuel was a giving man who never met a stranger. He welcomed people with an open heart and treasured the time he spent surrounded by his familia and dear compadres. His love will remain in the hearts of all who knew him, and his presence will be deeply missed.

Visitation will be held at Lake View Funeral Home, 5000 North Illinois Street, Fairview Heights, Illinois 62208, on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, beginning at 10:00 a.m., followed by a Funeral Service at 12:00 p.m.

Following the service, Manuel will be laid to rest at Lake View Memorial Gardens, Fairview Heights, Illinois.