Rudy Garza

GARZA
Rudy A. Garza passed away March 28, 2013 peacefully in his sleep at the age of 84. He was born in San Antonio, Texas on February 11, 1929. After graduating from Brackenridge High School of San Antonio in 1947, Rudy joined the Air Force serving as a Staff Sergeant during the Korean War. He was honorably discharged in 1954. After his discharge, Rudy returned to San Antonio to complete his schooling, graduating from St. Mary's University with a degree in Business Administration in 1957. After a short career as an accountant, Rudy's career took off as a dedicated public servant. He was hired as an investigator for the Bexar County District Attorney's Office and in 1969 was appointed Chief Investigator under then District Attorney Ted Butler. In 1977, he was appointed United States Marshal for the Western District of Texas by President Jimmy Carter. After leaving the US Marshall Service he was appointed as an investigator for then Texas Attorney General Mark White. In October of 1982, Rudy was appointed Bexar County Tax Assessor Collector by Bexar County Commissioner's Court. He ran for elections to fill the unexpired term of Ben Shaw who had resigned earlier in the year. He served four terms as Tax Assessor Collector before retiring in 1997, at age 68. His philosophy toward administration revolved around "accountability" and he considered public service a privilege and a responsibility to always "do right." His retirement years were spent with his wife Yolanda, utilizing most of their time keeping up with children, grand-children and great-grand-children. He was preceded in death by his parents Urbano Garza Guerra and Maria Ortiz Garza. Brothers, Oscar, Hector, Carlos, Mario and Arsenio "Cheno" Garza. Sister, Mary Rose "Nena" Moore. Step-sons, Mario and David Joseph Gonzalez. Step-grandson, Richard Joseph Gonzalez. He is survived by his wife of 35 years Yolanda Garza; sister, Idilia "Lili" Hernandez; sons, Rudy Garza, Jr. (Connie), Patrick Garza (Norma) and Alexander "Mike" Garza; daughters, Marie Carlota Mandes (Peter), Yvonne Stewart (Steve), and Gisele "Gigi" Gonzalez; grand-children, Thomas Arthur Garza, Christine Marie Green, Cassandra Matheson (Clayton), Daniel Joseph Garza, Michelle Rene Garza, Andrea Nicole Garza, David Alexander Ysasi, Michael Anthony Ysasi, Krystal Monique Garza, Diana Marie Stewart, Sandra Belle Stewart, Meagan Michele Garza, Ryan Garrett Garza, and Madeline Rose Garza Gonzalez; great-grandchildren, Evi and Hailey Garza. Visitation will begin on Tuesday, April 2, at 5pm with the Rosary at 7:00pm at Angelus Funeral Home - 1119 N. St. Mary's. Funeral Mass on Wednesday, April 3, at 11:00am at St. Anthony de Padua Catholic Church - 102 Lorenz Rd., San Antonio. Burial to follow at San Fernando Cemetery No. 2. Condolences may be sent to the Garza family at www.theangelusfuneralhome.com. Arrangements by: