Martin Henry Garza Sr.

1940 - 2025

Martin Henry Garza, Sr.
October 21, 1940 - August 15, 2025
Martin Henry Garza, Sr. was born in San Antonio, Texas, on October 21, 1940, to Efrain Sr. and Emma Vasquez Garza. The second of five siblings, Martin grew up on the city's westside, where family values and positive mentors guided him away from challenges of gangs, drugs, and violence. He attended Ira Ogden Elementary, Irving Junior School, and Fox Tech High School, excelling as a quarterback and named to the All-District and All-City Teams before graduating in 1959.
From childhood, Martin worked at his family's business, Garza's Service Station & Garage, a neighborhood landmark built by his father and grandfather. He also developed skills in carpentry and painting. Twice, his character was highlighted by the San Antonio Express-News-first in 1959 when he saved a young girl from drowning, and later in 1990 when his dedication to social work was profiled.
After high school, Martin earned a bachelor's degree from St. Mary's University and a master's degree in social work from Our Lady of the Lake University. Inspired by his sociology professor Herbert Leis, Martin dedicated his life to service. His career spanned roles at the San Antonio Neighborhood Youth Organization, the Department of Labor, and the House of Neighborly Services before joining MHMR (now the Center for Health Care Services). Rising to Director of the Drug Dependence Program, he retired in 1995 after nearly three decades of leadership in counseling, rehabilitation, and community health.
In 1966, Martin married Evangelina (Eva) Lopez, and together they built a loving home in the Jefferson neighborhood. Their home became a family heart, filled with warmth, achievement, and community. Eva was later honored by the SA Express-News among San Antonio's Outstanding Women Leaders, while their sons Martin Jr. and Edward excelled in academics, leadership, and public service-Edward eventually becoming San Antonio's youngest mayor.
A few years after Eva's passing, Martin remarried Mary Esther Hernandez, who had two daughters of her own, Marissa and Melissa. Together they created a blended family rooted in love, laughter, and many cherished memories, extending Martin's legacy of devotion to family and togetherness.
Martin lived his life by the philosophy of Bold Action, Deep Respect, and Lasting Restoration. His purpose was to build, guide, and inspire-whether through social work, mentoring, carpentry, fishing, and family time. He enjoyed restoring his vintage 1959 Ford and 1958 Thunderbird, cheering at high school games, and reflecting with a cold beer under his backyard gazebo.
Martin passed away on August 15, 2025, surrounded by family. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Efrain Jr., first wife Evangelina, and granddaughter Hope. He is survived by his wife Mary Esther; sons Martin Jr. (Charlene) and Edward (Anna Laura); daughters Marissa Guerra (Orlando) and Melissa Rosales (Michael); sisters Emma, Alice, and Christine; grandchildren Elizabeth, Trey, Lily, and Noel.
Martin also authored an unpublished memoir, La Vida es Corta, Pero Muy Ancha ("Life is Short, Yet Quite Broad"), capturing the journey he shared with his brother on San Antonio's westside.
A public Funeral Mass will be held Friday, August 22, 2025, at St. Mary's Catholic Church at 9:00 a.m., followed by a private entombment at San Fernando Cemetery #2 Mausoleum Chapel. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Martin H. Garza Sr. Memorial Scholarship Fund through the San Antonio ISD Foundation. Arrangements with