SAN YGNACIO, TX---Angel Garza, 78, was called to heaven on April 30, 2023.

He was an obedient son, a wonderful brother, a loving uncle, and an excellent father. Angel loved his son unconditionally.

Angel was a lifelong resident of San Ygnacio, Texas. After graduating from Zapata High School, he enrolled at Texas A&I University in Kingsville, Texas, where he earned a bachelor's degree in education. Several years later, he earned a master's degree in political science from Texas A&M International University.

He returned to San Ygnacio and taught school for several decades at Arturo L. Benavides Elementary School. Angel loved teaching and cared deeply for his students. He enjoyed sharing his love of history and current events with his students. After his retirement from Zapata County Independent School District (ZCISD), Angel continued to teach as a substitute teacher in the Laredo area schools. He had the privilege to visit some countries, which was "His Dream Come True!"

Angel was dedicated to the residents of Zapata County, and in the early 1970s he decided to run for and was elected as Justice of the Peace. He then went on to become a County Commissioner. During his tenure as county commissioner, Angel worked feverishly to obtain grants and funding to improve the quality of life for all Zapata County residents.

If there was one word to describe Angel, it would be "Generous."  He would never hesitate to help someone in need. Angel enjoyed sharing his wealth with his family. He was a caring, respectful, and responsible person. He will be greatly missed.

His amazing parents, Cristino and Librada Garza, preceded him in death, as did his beautiful sisters, Cristina Lydia Garza and Carolina Lilia Copado, and his blessed brothers-in-law, Héctor Manuel Copado and Javier Pena.

He is survived by his son, Angelabel Garza, and sisters, Margarita (Ovidio) Elizondo and Alma Delia Peña.  Angel is also survived by other family members: Mary Salinas, Maya Hinojosa, Linda Copado Rincón, Leticia (Eddie) Salazar, Thelma (Hector) Sanchez, Maribel (Joe) Bustamante, Cynthia (Sergio Alberto) Aradillas, Noemi Elizondo, Miroslava (Clay) Kofron, Javier (Angie) Peña, Jr., Jaime (Tania) Peña and Jennifer Peña. He was also survived by numerous relatives and many friends.

Visitations will be held on Sunday, May 7, 2023, at Rose Garden Funeral Home, 2102 US Hwy 83, Zapata, Texas 78076, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., with a Holy Rosary to be recited at 1:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers the family kindly asks that a donation in Angel's name to your favorite charity; however, if you would like to show your respect, you may send a plant, it is greatly appreciated.

A memorial mass will be celebrated on Thursday, June 1, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. at Iglesia Catolica, Nuestra Señora del Refugio Mission, 407 Washington Ave., San Ygnacio, Texas.

Special thanks to everyone who came to the funeral and/or memorial services, arranged memorial masses, sent flower arrangements, and sent sympathy plants. Also, to all who traveled to be with us at this difficult time, the family of the late Angel Garza wishes to express their sincere gratitude to everyone who showed them empathy during their recent depressing bereavement. Angel, we love you, and we know we will see each other again, but until then, rest in God's eternal life. "The free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus, our Lord." Romans 6:23 NIV

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Rose Garden Funeral Home Daniel A. Gonzalez, Funeral Director, 2102 N. US HWY 83 Zapata, Texas.