Faustino Garza Sr.

Psalms 23 - The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures,

he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul…I will dwell in the House of the Lord forever.

Faustino Garza, Sr., entered eternal rest to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on Sunday, February 22, 2026. He was surrounded by the love of his family. He was the first born of Gilberto and Jacinta Garza, whose kindness and strong values set the foundation for the wonderful life he lived. He was born on August 28, 1939 in Delmita, Texas. He attended San Isidro High School, and then Pan American University, where he received his Bachelor's Degree. After college he proudly served his country in the United States Army Intelligence Corps from 1963-1965 and Army Reserves from 1965-1969 during the Vietnam era. Following his military service he furthered his education, receiving a master's degree at Texas A&I University at Corpus Christi.

On September 1, 1961, he married the love of his life, Criselda Garza. Together they built a loving family. A lifelong farmer and rancher in South Texas, Faustino held a profound love for the land that has been in his family for generations. Even while working for the Corpus Christi Independent School District as a respected educator and school administrator from 1965-2001, he dedicated his weekends to the ranch. In retirement, he passionately returned full-time to the land he cherished, where he found peace and purpose. He also faithfully dedicated many hours volunteering at his church and with veteran causes.

Faustino is survived by his three children: Mindy Guerra (Michael M. Guerra), Faustino Garza, Jr., and Gabriel Garza (Veronica Garza). Faustino was the proud grandfather of ten grandchildren, who were truly the light of his life. He rarely missed their important moments and especially treasured attending their graduations and activities. He also leaves behind his five loving siblings and their spouses, with whom he shared a lifelong close bond: Raul Garza (Rosie Garza), Lydia Peña (Matias Peña), Gilberto Garza, Jr. (Anita Garza), Ita Peña (Cipriano Peña) and Mary Lou Swanson (Jon Swanson). In addition, he is survived by close cousins and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Gilberto and Jacinta Garza and his loving wife, Criselda Garza who passed away in 2007, leaving a huge void in Faustino's life.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects Saturday, February 28th at San Isidro Catholic Church in Delmita, Texas. Visitation will begin at 9:00 am and a Rosary/Funeral Mass at 10:00 am. There will be a burial service afterwards for family members at the Santa Maria Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be his nephews, Xavier Peña, Rudy Garza, Gilberto Garza III, and his grandsons, Jacob Garza, M. Matthew Guerra, Aaron Garza and Daniel Garza.

Faustino Garza will be remembered for his unwavering work ethic, devotion to family, deep faith and enduring love for the land. His legacy lives on in the generations he nurtured and the lives he touched. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to San Isidro Catholic Church, 5160 FM 1017, San Isidro, Texas 78588.