To Jane and Family
This is probably the final note of condolence because I did not hear of Dr. Garza’s passing until now.  This town and this state and this world are poorer without his presence. I did not see him often but when I did, I was better for it.
His passing is a great loss to me, and to all of us.
Tryon Lewis

Jane and family, it is with deep sadness that I reach out to all of the Garza family, far and wide, to express our profound and sincere condolences for the loss of this very special soul. OT is the guy you wanted to be around, he was always entertaining and had a lot to say, but if anyone ever needed help, OT would be right there to help. He was an awesome person  whom and I am better for having known him. OT will never be forgotten in the Red River UV. Jane we love you and will forever miss this amazing man. It will never be the same without him, but OT would insist we all should carry on.

My heartbreaks with OTs passing and my heart aches for Jane and all his beloved family, loved.ones and friends. 

He was a unique man who will not be forgotten of all whose life he touched. God Bless OT, you will be greatly missed. Mahola
Helen Bryan and Greg Rawls

I have had my share of congenital and traumatic musculoskeletal problems in my past, but OT was always there for me. His physical therapy plans consistently seem to work. Though we disagreed in politics we agreed in the way to approach medical problems. The newer MDs could learn a lot from Dr. Garza.

OT may have left this earth, but his legend will live on.

Michael J. McCulloch DVM

Jane,
So sorry to hear about OT passing. I always remember the years we spent during our Residency, from 1973 to 1977. Specially, the year we spent in Truth or Consequences, NM (1975  to 1976). It was a great year at Carrie Tingley Hospital. We worked a lot, party a lot and had a great time. We met you at the annual UNM  annual meeting in June of 2017. Great memories.
He had an interesting life, a great family who will miss him very much and will always remember him.
A big hug for you and your family from Sergio and Carmen Ilic.
We are looking forward to the next meeting with you in 2027 at the UNM June conference.

Lordy i don’t know where to begin… my pea brain can’t put into words that would express how sad I am ;( what an amazing guy who will hold a special memory in my heart always!! Hugs 2 u sweet Jane!

So sorry to hear of Dr. Garza’s passing!   We met him due to my wife’s broken hip.  We came to Odessa  from Dallas to  attend a memorial service for an old friend, but wife broke hip the night before  and  to have surgery the next day!  Dr. Garza was the one to do the surgery .  He was a very good & caring person as well as excellent surgeon.  His follow up was excellent and called or texted to see how she was doing  for quite awhile .  That in its self was unusual , showing what kind of person a caring surgeon he was.!!
   Rest in peace Dr. Garza

Dr. Garza you will truly be missed. Your experienced surgery saved my wife's arm.   It was always a great pleasure talking with you. We always looked forward to our appointments with you. You always had the personality to light up surgery and ER.  May God bless you and your family. .....John & Debbie Hsll

Dr.Graza was my not only my dr but a close friend whose friendship I grew to cherish.  We always enjoyed having a  conversation over not only my care but college football.  My condolences goes out to his wife and his family who he was very proud of.  Just know what a wonderful man  your husband, father and grandfather was he not only cared and treated his patient but he became their friend as well.  He will be greatly missed. Just remember you are in my thoughts and prayers as you mourn this wonderful doctor. 

Paulene and Clifton Carter

I was 19 when I started working in the OR at Medical Center Hospital in Odessa. Dr. Garza was one of my favorite surgeons to work with. He listened to the same music I loved (loudly), cussed like a sailor, told awesome stories, and tried to convince me that ortho was more fun than doing hearts! 
I wish a heart felt condolence to his family and friends, and know he’ll keep Heaven entertained!

O. T., Semper Fi, old friend. We hit it off right off the bat when you learned I was an ex-Hospital Corpsman. I always loved giving anesthesia for your cases; the OR was always fun and rockin' and rollin' with some good music and great stories.
I was and am grateful for your friendship and for going to bat for me when I needed someone in my corner.  You left behind a giant legacy ol' friend, and you'll be missed but surely never forgotten. You're one of a kind and I'm truly privileged to have known you.
Fair winds and following seas, Ol' Hoss...
Dennie Fugitt, HM2 USN, CRNA

O T, great guy, great friend, great doctor. He and I operated together on many occasions. I remember the attempted teaching lessons he tried to give to me. Very fond memories

Prayers for Jane and all of the children and grandkids. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻✝️✝️✝️

Thank you Dr Garza, for the knowledge and kindness you shared.  When I was at my lowest, you were there for me as I know you were for many others.  Your language may lose you a few stars in your crown, but you will still have a full crown.  You will be missed.
Debbie Bates Webb RN MCH

What a beautiful obituary for one of the most incredible humans I knew.  O.T. was one of my most favorite hugs, I always knew there was a slight possibility of crushing my ribs, nevertheless, I cherished them always.

Well said, 'gone but never forgotten'.  His huge personality will be one many of us will never ever forget.  Such a beautiful soul.  My condolences are with you Jane and family.  Sending big hugs to you all and praying for your peace.  🙏

Nicole 'Agnew' Whitmire 💗

O T. Was absolutely one of a kind I saw him for many years for a shoulder injury.
There was no one that I trusted  more when I injured my shoulder two different times he was a fantastic Doctor and Friend. God be with you sir and your family and friends you leave behind 🙏, You will be greatly missed by all,  and Heaven is getting one of the best.🙏

The obituary is perfect!   I worked at MCH for many years and knew we were in for a treat when he walked through the door.  Years after I retired I saw him at a gun show.  He remembered my name, gave me a huge hug, shook my husband’s hand and proceeded to regale us with stories!   I loved that larger than life man.  The world is diminished by this great loss.

There will never be another OT!!  His hugs were that of a big bear and his heart was just as big. I cannot imagine how many people he helped. I do know he was always there for Lanny and me. I did learn a few new words from him. 😂😂. I’ll miss his big smile because he always had one for me. Love you big OT. Save me a spot up there.

Few people impact your life quite like OT. I’m so glad I got to see him and Jane recently. I’m grateful he was one of my father’s best friends. What a great man to be around and talk to. He loved with all his heart. Praying for comfort for Jane and his family.

O.T was a cheeky chap! I was always excited to see him be it at work or at a gathering with Janie. I will always smile when I think of his sailors mouth (he gave me a run for my money) and his blunt straight talk. I am so glad that I was gifted knowing him.  What a man.

Jane and family, 
I first met O.T. when he did surgery on our granddaughters arm.  He was so sweet to her and even though it was a serious break he made us feel it would all be okay.  He will definitely be missed, but never forgotten! May God give you comfort and strength through this sad time. Many prayers .

A Saint for sure , O.T. Left a powerful impression on me, with his staunch love of God and people. A brother in Christ I will always admire.

Jane-
I am so sad to hear of Dr G.’s passing. When Larry Feeler sent me to him for the first of many surgeries, casts and crutches, I really didn’t know what to think! I loved that man, not just as my ortho on speed dial, but as a dear friend! One thing for sure was that you knew exactly what he thought and he never minced words telling you! I’m so sorry for your loss. He was great Dr., great friend and a wonderful person. They definitely threw the mold away when he was born. 
Patti Woolard

So sad the hear passing of Dr. Garza He was incredible. Prayers for his family. Iworked with Dr. Garza for many years in the O.R. MCH.
He was one of a kind for sure. May he rest in Peace. will post a photo of him and Ihugging after I scared him can you believe ?? He had a sense of humor.He will be missed. Great Dr.

Good man. So enjoyed him during hunting season and in Odessa as well. Great conversations. Great times. He was a one of a kind Gem ❤️❤️❤️

OBITUARY

Orlando Thomas Garza

January 2, 1938 – August 31, 2024

Hubbard-Kelly Funeral Home

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