John T. Cavazos

John T. Cavazos, beloved husband, father, and grandfather peacefully entered eternal rest at age 79 on February 7, 2024. This extraordinary man was born on November 27, 1944, in Victoria, Texas. To say he gave 100% to everything he did would be an understatement as he went above and beyond at home, at work, and at play. John's sense of humor and ability to make you laugh in every situation made him someone you could never forget. His signature phrase of "Thank you for coming" always made you feel welcomed.
John was an original Stingaree graduating from Victoria High School in 1964. He attended Victoria College before being called to serve his country in the United States Army in 1966. He served bravely in Vietnam where he was wounded, then stationed in Korea and Colorado to finish out his tour. He received the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with Bronze Star Service, Vietnam Campaign Medal, and a Purple Heart.
After coming home from military service, he had a young lady eagerly awaiting his return! He married Lucinda P. Garcia on June 21, 1969. John and Lulu were married for 54 years and a true testament to love and commitment. They had many adventures together and could be found on the dance floor at numerous dances during the holiday season. Together, they raised two daughters and later the son they did not have when blessed to raise their first grandson. They are also godparents to several children as witness to their faith.
John's strong work ethic and dependability allowed him to always get the job done. He was an Assistant Manager at Model Market grocery where he was noticed for his positive attitude. He was then recruited to work for Lacks Furniture Stores in Victoria as a salesman. Union Carbide Corporation is where John would spend 29 years of service as a shift work Operator and later manager of a unit, retiring in 2005. At Union Carbide, later Dow Chemical, he made many friends who continued to keep in touch.
Many will remember John for his love of bowling. He would never miss his Monday and Thursday night leagues at the Woodlawn and Century Lanes! He was a member of three City Tournament teams during his playing days. His highest bowling average was a 202 during the 1990-91 season. John served a total of 16 years as a Director for the Victoria United States Bowling Congress Association and was recognized as its first Hall of Fame inductee in 2014. John and Lulu enjoyed many bowling tournament trips to Reno and Las Vegas.
John was a faithful Catholic who attended St. Mary's Catholic Church with his family. He worked hard to provide a Catholic school education for his children. In his retirement years, he served as an usher at mass and was the best elevator operator! He assisted on Wednesday nights during religious education working in the office, hall monitor, and parking lot. Many children who came through the program remember Mr. Cavazos for his smile, that he was fun, and the CCD song he would sing that he remembered from his youth.
Retired life gave him the opportunity to travel to visit his daughters, attend Astros games, summer trips to the beach, volunteer at numerous American Cancer Society events in San Antonio, and attend school functions for his grandchildren, including the 2010 Cotton Bowl with the St. Jospeh High School band. He enjoyed working in the yard and had a green thumb that could make any plant come back to life.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Felipa and Frank Cavazos, Jr., and brother Frank T. Cavazos and sister-in-law, Adela Cavazos; his mother-in-law and father-in- law, Catalina and Sabas Garcia; and brother-in-law, Clemente Garcia.
He is survived by his devoted wife, Lucinda; children, Anna-Melissa Cavazos, Nancy Cavazos-Wallace (Shane), and Jon-Anthony Cavazos; granddaughter, Abigail Balli; grandsons Blake Wallace and Noah Wallace; his much loved sisters-in-law: Mary Rivera (Raymond), Rosie Ruiz (Ray), Patsy Johnson, Cathy Vela (JD), Martha Gonzalez (Tony) and brother-in-law Cruz Garcia. His jokes will be missed by numerous nieces and nephews.
Serving as pallbearers are his nephews: Frank Cavazos, Jr., James Cavazos, Johnny Ray Cavazos, Bobby Cavazos, Abe A. Suarez, and godson, Dustin John Long.
His family recognizes and gives thanks to all the care team members at MD Anderson in Houston who had the privilege of caring for John. Special acknowledgement to Dr. Julie Lin, Tara Donovan, APRN, and Dr. Shalin Shah for your kindness and compassion on this journey with our family.
Visitation will take place on Monday, February 19 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with recitation of the Holy Rosary at 6:00 p.m. at Angel Lucy's Funeral Home. A funeral mass will be held on Tuesday, February 20 at 10 a.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church followed by a Military Honors burial at Memorial Park Cemetery.
Under the care of Angel Lucy's Funeral Home Victoria, 361-575-3212.