Sylvester Garza

Sylvester "Syl" Garza, 89, of Grand Prairie, passed away early Thursday morning October 19, 2023. He was born on December 31, 1933, in San Angelo, to the late Pedro and Rosario Garza.

Syl served in the United States Air Force for 15 years active duty, during which he participated in the Korean War. He continued to serve an additional 5 years as a reserve officer. After his military service, he obtained a beautician license. He worked as a barber to support his family and pay his tuition at the Auto Mechanics Institute in California where he graduated as a master mechanic. Living in San Angelo, Syl had a successful career as a foreman at Mitsubishi Aircraft for more than 16 years, at which point he retired. He quickly realized that his working days were not yet done, so he founded and successfully ran All American Cab Company for more than 20 years.

Syl loved being outdoors in any form, and fishing all weekend was his idea of heaven. He also enjoyed working on cars and driving the open roads. He was a devoted father and loved doting on and spoiling his grandkids. Syl had a servant's heart shown by the fact that his door was always open, and he never turned away anyone in need. His presence will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Syl is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Amelia T. Garza; sister, Mary (Merle) Ott; children: Bernice Hayes, Darlene (Garnet) Coone, Syl (Norma) Garza, and June Perry; grandchildren: Amber (John) Sommers, Zachary Sutton, Autumn Armendariz, Brandon Coone, Allen (Jasmine) Coone, Aaron (Casey) Krieg, Dacotah (Wade) Osborne, and Addi Perry; great grandchildren Leilani, Zayne and Imani Sommers, Fionn and Riley Krieg; along with many other extended family and friends. He is preceded in death by his daughter Sonia (Robert) Armendariz; grandson Kahlil Armendariz; brothers Ysidro, Pedro, and Antonio Garza; and sisters Jessica Galindo and Olivia Holler.

Public viewing will be from 10:00 AM until 8:00 PM Thursday, October 26, 2023. Prayer service will be 10:00 AM Friday, October 27, 2023, at Robert Massie Riverside Chapel. Burial will follow at Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens under the direction of Robert Massie Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Honor Flights, Wounded Warriors, Veterans Against Alzheimer's or Tunnel to Towers in memory of Sylvester Garza.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Yolanda Rose; the Fort Worth and Dallas Home Health VA: Adrian Raabe N.P., Tamila Ball R.N., and Lowana Walker R.N.; Right at Home: Stephanie Pacheco, Tierra Thompson, Ashayla Hawkins and all administrative staff; and Brookdale/ Medical City Hospice: Monya Foxe, Sabrina Barnett, Melissa Chandler, music and all additional staff.

Rest in peace, Syl Garza. Your dedication, service, and love for your family will always be cherished and remembered.