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A Catholic funeral mass of Christian burial will be celebrated for Martin R. Garza, Sr. of San Angelo, Texas, and formerly of Lamesa, Texas, at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, February 13, 2026, at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church with Celebrant Father Sylvester Dsouza officiating. The burial committal will follow to the Dawson County Cemetery. Funeral arrangements are under the trusted care and direction of Gonzales Funeral Home. Martin R. Garza, Sr., age 86, took his last breath surrounded by his loving family on February 9, 2026, in San Angelo, Texas. Martin was born on January 30, 1940, in Zorn, Texas, to Luz Esparza Garza and Francisca Rodriguez Garza. On November 22, 1961, he married the love of his life, Epifania Vara, in Lamesa, Texas ---on their lunch break, a story that beautifully reflected their deep love and lifelong devotion to one another. Martin was a hardworking and dedicated man who spent over 50 years working for Britt Trucking in Lamesa and Big Lake, Texas. Known for his strong work ethic and generous heart, Martin was the kind of man who would give the shirt off his back to anyone in need. A devoted Catholic, Martin proudly served his church community for many years by playing the guitar and singing in the choir at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Lamesa. He was an active member of the Mesa Lions Club and the Knights of Columbus, and volunteered countless hours to the Head Start community in Lamesa. Many will fondly remember him for his homemade peanut brittle and peanut patties, which he joyfully shared with family and friends. In his free time, Martin loved being outdoors and enjoyed watching John Wayne, old Western movies, and cartoons. Whether spending time outside or relaxing with a classic film. Those simple moments brought him great joy. Above all else, Martin was a loving brother, tio, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and great-great-grandfather. His legacy of faith, service, generosity, and love will live on through the many lives he touched. He was preceded in death by his parents, Luz and Francisca Garza; and his siblings, Ramon Garza, Costancia Corpus, and Rosa Tijerina. He is survived by his beloved wife, Epifania V. Garza; his daughter, Nelda Garza of Lamesa; his son, Martin R. Garza, Jr. of San Angelo, Texas; and his siblings, Clemencia Zorola and husband Jose of Lamesa; Luisa Perez of Lamesa; Isabel Yanez and husband David of Lamesa; and Estella Schreen and husband Tim of Latrobe, Pennsylvania. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Kaci Garza and Kathy of San Angelo; Karaissa Esparza and husband Chris of Lamesa; Chastidy Calkins and husband Chris of Otsego, Michigan; Ana Li Rocha and husband Matt of Lamesa; Ryan Garza and wife Renae of Lubbock; and Shelby Garza and fiancé Lupe of Lubbock. Martin was blessed with thirteen great-grandchildren: CJ Salazar, Martin Donovan Moreno, Y’Laih Salazar, Santiago Salas, Maya Esparza, Avalyn Rocha, Ezra Rocha, Noah Garza, Jaxon Garza, Hallie Calkins, Adley Rocha, Eviana Rocha, and Tatum Garza; and two great-great-grandchildren, Madison Moreno and Adelina Salazar.

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MARTIN R. GARZA SR.

January 30, 1940 - February 9, 2026