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Eligio de la Garza Obituary
Born in Mercedes, Texas on September 22, 1927, Kika grew up in Mission, Texas where he attended Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic School and Mission High School. In 1944, at the age of seventeen, Kika enlisted in the United States Navy to serve during the final months of World War II. Upon returning home, he completed his high school courses and attended Edinburg Junior College. He transferred to St. Mary's University in San Antonio and returned to serve his country during the Korean Conflict as an artillery officer in the United States Army, as an aide to General Kenneth Cooper. After his service, he earned a law degree in 1951 from St. Mary's University.
In 1952, at the age of 24, Kika launched his career in public service by being elected to the Texas House of Representatives. After serving six consecutive terms in Austin, Kika was elected to the United States House of Representatives in 1965 where he proudly served for thirty-two years. One of his most prominent accomplishments was being the driving force in creating the nation's first state-run system of English language instruction for pre-school children. A strong supporter of civil rights safeguard for minorities, Kika fought for improved access to health care for elderly and veterans, better living conditions for low-income individuals and the impoverished, and access to educational opportunities for all citizens.
Kika's involvement in the "El Morillo Drain" project improved water quality for the entire Rio Grande Valley by reducing salinity in the Rio Grande River. His involvement with economic development in the Valley and its long-range economic growth resulted in the construction of the Falcon and Anzalduas dams and Amistad Reservoir as well as the construction of the Pharr-Reynosa International Bridge and the McAllen-Hidalgo-Reynosa International Bridge.
As an influential proponent of free trade, he was instrumental in the passage of both the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and the expansion of the International General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT). As one of Congress' leading experts on U.S.-Mexican relations, he worked to improve relations and trade between the two countries throughout his congressional career.
Congressman de la Garza was one of the founding members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, which he chaired from 1989 to 1991. He was assigned to the Committee on Agriculture and rose to become chairman serving from 1981 to1994. He became the first Hispanic to chair a standing committee of the House of Representatives since 1917. He was also the first member of Congress to receive Mexico's Order of the Aztec Eagle Award and Israel's Vulcan Center's Lifetime Achievement Award. For Kika, dreams became reality in a journey that took a simple shoeshine boy from the streets of downtown Mission to the halls of the United States Capitol.
Numerous facilities have been named in his honor including the Kika de la Garza Fine Arts Center in Mission, Texas; Kika de la Garza Elementary School in La Joya I.S.D.; Kika de la Garza Federal Building in McAllen, Texas; Kika de la Garza Pharr Reynosa Border Station at the Pharr-Reynosa International Bridge; Kika de la Garza U.S.D.A. Service Center in Edinburg, Texas; Kika de la Garza Plant Material Center in Kingsville, Texas; Prairie View A & M University Kika de la Garza International Goat Research Center; and Kika de la Garza American Institute for Goat Research in Langston, Oklahoma. There are also streets named in his honor in La Joya, Mission, Edinburg, Harlingen, Prairie View, and the Kika de la Garza Highway in Mercedes. To commemorate over four decades of public service, a statue of Kika has been erected at the Rotary Park in downtown Mission.
Among some of the honors bestowed on him were Mr. Mission, Citrus Fiesta King, Mission, Borderfest King, Hidalgo, Border Texan of the Year, Hidalgo, Señor Internacional, Laredo, Mr. South Texas, Laredo, the Golden Eagle Award, Rio Grande Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and the Excellence in Leadership Award by The International Women's Board of The University of Texas Pan American Foundation.
Congressman de la Garza was a proud member of the following organizations: Catholic War Veterans Post 1065 in Mission, Texas, American Legion Post 101 in Pharr, Texas, McAllen Chamber of Commerce, Rio Grande Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Museum of South Texas History, Mission Historical Museum, Order of The Alhambra Mosara 260, and Knights of Columbus Council 8298.
His happiest moments were those spent with his wife, children, and grandchildren. He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Lucille, his three children, Jorge (Velda) de la Garza, Michael (Michelle Chaple) de la Garza, and Angela de la Garza Cisneros (Jerry). Also left to cherish his memory are his beloved grandchildren, Christina (John) Hryhorchuk, Jorge de la Garza, Jr., Laura de la Garza, Mariel de la Garza, Michael de la Garza, Jr., Michelle Alexandra de la Garza, Jennifer (Manuel) Ybarra, Philip Farias, and one great-grandchild, Jaxon de la Garza. He is also survived by many loving cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family and faithful canine companions, Chiqui and Rocky.
Kika is preceded in death by his parents, Dario and Elisa de la Garza, his brother and sister-in-law, Robert and Gilda de la Garza, and his in-laws Joe V. and Estela Alamia.
Visitation will be on Thursday, March 16, 2017, from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., with a 7:00 p.m. Rosary, at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in McAllen, Texas. The Funeral Mass will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, March 17, 2017, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Mission, Texas. Interment will follow at Valley Memorial Gardens in Mission. Military honors will be conducted by VFW Post 8788 of McAllen.
Pallbearers will be grandsons Jorge de la Garza, Jr., Philip Farias, Michael de la Garza, Jr. and nephews Eddie de la Garza, Rene de la Garza and John Struthers.
Honorary pallbearers are Romeo de la Garza, Gilbert Garza, A. J. Garza, David Garza, Sam Gorena, Paul Walsh, John Cordaway, Ernesto Peña, Isidro Garcia, Richard Martinez, Lee Garza, Leonel Acevedo, Roy Guzman, Alberto Guerra, Antonio Saenz, Bobby Trdla, Jesse Treviño, and Solomon Marroquin.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the E. "Kika" de la Garza Endowed Scholarship Fund at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.
Funeral services are under the direction of Memorial Funeral Home in Edinburg.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Eligio de la Garza
Nelly Johnson
November 13, 2017
To the family of Mr. Kika De La Garza, please know my family is also at a loss to just hear of this. He was integral my family, having assisted my great grandmother and my grandmother establish residency here in the US, and also assisted my father. He made it possible for our family to reside here, and I cannot express my sincerest condolences. He was a true friend to our family, and will be sorely missed.
May God bless you.
March 23, 2017
Dear Lucille and family,
We are so sad to learn of Kika' s passing.
We feel grateful to have had the opportunity to know both of you and have special memories of our special next door neighbor.
We remember Kika playing soccer on our lawn with Geoff, Kika bringing over a special worm to show Geoff, and his bringing over Halloween candy for us to give to neighbors when he could not be home. Geoff still has a campaign hat and button Kika gave him.
Our thoughts are with you.
Ken, Janis and Geoff Gold
March 22, 2017
Dear Lucille and Family,
Our most sincere sympathy on the loss of your husband and father. There are no words that suffice at a time like this. However, prayers and happy memories from your friends and families can help to comfort you.
Love & hugs,
Angelita & Anna M. Champion
Edinburg, Tx
Ramona Diaz
March 20, 2017
My Deapest Condolense to the De la Garza Family. My heart, thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
March 19, 2017
Carlos and I are so sorry for your loss during this difficult time. We will keep you in our prayers.
Sincerely,
Carlos and Gloria Ayala
David & Rachael A Loman
March 17, 2017
Our prayers are with you and your family.
Rogelio Agrasanchez
March 17, 2017
Our sincere condolences to the family of a great man and an unforgettable friend.
Rogelio Agrasánchez Sr.
Rogelio Agrasánchez Jr.
M Pedro Ruiz
March 17, 2017
I used to walk the walkin' trail at Bill Schupp park late 80's-early 90's. Sometimes Mr. De La Garza would be walkin' also. We'd have a brief chat, very friendly, down to Earth. Kika still remembered me & would ask about my Pa. I'd reply, "Still truckin'. the RGV owes a LOT to him. One single man who served others before himself. May the following politicians learn from his example, to never forget who they serve. Only then will there be true democracy. GB Kika De La Garza. Anchors Aweigh.
March 17, 2017
Angela,
Your Child Inc.family will be Praying for you! We ask that God will keep you and your family near at all times!
Your,
Child Inc. Family
Melanie Walter-Mahoney
March 17, 2017
Angela,
You and your family are in my heart today. Your father was an amazing man! May your many happy memories be with you today and in days ahead. Wishing peace to each of you.
Melanie Walter-Mahoney
Gina Evins
March 16, 2017
I still remember when Congressman De La Garza would come visit us at school when we were little. Thank you Sir. You had a big impact on the children of the Valley.
Gina Evins (Edinburg Class of 76)
Rolando Sanchez
March 16, 2017
My condolences go out to the de la Garza family may our father be with all of you. God bless! R Sanchez
M.Pedro Ruiz
March 16, 2017
My heartfelt condolences to the family of the Honorable Congressman Eligio 'Kika' De La Garza. The RGV, Texas, & the U.S. has lost a true statesman, veteran, public servant, & legislator. I personally thank him & his family for sharing Kika with his constituency.
I knew of Kika from the 60's as a friend of my late father.
Saw him & Senator Ralph Yarbrough at the Edinburg post office about '67.
My ackowledgement of his cordial district office staff, Mr.Sol Marroquin who ran a seamless efficient office.
Also, Congressman Rubén Hinojosa. Congressman Henry Cuellar.
Mr. De La Garza was truly a role model as he was always accessible when I visited. He always took time from his busy schedule to meet with his constituents. I could go on.
Congressman De La Garza would always end his newsletter with, "porque asi lo demanda la Patria." Very true.
It was my privilege to have met Kika. I thank him for his unending service to our region. He made our quality of life so much better. There will never be another Eligio 'Kika' De La Garza. Thank you, sir. Rest from your labors.
Alfonso Chapa Jr
March 16, 2017
To Lucille and the De La Garza family. My condolences on your loss. May our prayers and all your friends help thru these trying days. A Statemans for this region. He will always be remembered. God Bless from your primo.
Raul Salinas
March 16, 2017
Kika a true American hero- a legend! Kika was and will always be "Lo Mejor de lo Nuestro." Thirty years of exceptional service to this Nation! I had the pleasure of working for him in Washington. He taught me so much-especially how to become a good public servant. Kika was a brilliant leader who really cared about his constituents and had a big heart. He always humble and never forgot where he came from. Kika will always be remembered as a statesman. Kika, Mil Gracias for all the beautiful memories. Thank you for paving the road for my success- graduating from University of Maryland, becoming a U S Capitol Policeman, an FBI Agent and later serving as Mayor of Laredo. I would have not done accomplished this without your guidance and unwavering support. Thank you my friend, boss and mentor. My condolences to Lucille, and his children Jorge, Michael, Angela and all the family. God Bless you all.
Lloyd Doggett
March 16, 2017
It was my good fortune to both serve with Former Congressman Kika De La Garza as a colleague and later to represent him briefly as his Congressman. How impressive that he returned from serving in Congress to serving as a Democratic precinct chair in and in the leadership of his veterans post in Mission. From shoeshine boy to true ambassador for American Agriculture, Kika has his name permanently affixed to the Pharr gateway to America. While representing the fajita strip district which stretched from Mexico to Highland Mall, I organized the ceremony honoring him there. My remarks are below. My condolences to his beautiful extended family.
Remarks by Congressman Lloyd Doggett at Kika De La Garza Border Station
November 7, 2005
Today we honor a person whose contributions have helped shape the legacy of not only the Rio Grande Valley, but also our great state and nation.
Kika De La Garza requires no introduction, but deserves much praise.
Born right here in the Valley, Kika is a homegrown success, self-made man and inspirational role model for our children. From his humble beginnings shining shoes, Kika rose to making laws in the State House and later the U.S. Congress. But as far as Kika traveled and powerful as he became, he never stopped treating all of his constituents as if each was his most important.
In my first term in Congress, I had the good fortune to serve with him as a colleague. Sometimes I called him Kika but more often Mr. Chairman for he had risen through the ranks to become the Chairman of the Agriculture Committee - the first Hispanic Chairman since 1917 to Chair a standing committee in the U.S. House of Representatives.
No other Chairman has ever done so much to advance Agriculture and promote the small farmer as Chairman De La Garza. Kika was so instrumental in the world of Agriculture he earned the title "Dean of Agriculture" from his Senate counterparts. He has also been called Ambassador de la Garza, so it is fitting that the first thing Texans returning to Texas or foreign visitors will see will remind them this is Kika territory.
Naming this border station in honor of Congressman De La Garza is a fitting tribute for the man who so ably served as an ambassador for American agriculture. Speaking several languages, Kika was known to greet foreign dignitaries who visited his office in their own tongue. He maintained close relationships with many world leaders and agricultural ministers. Just like his efforts to build the bridge we are at now, he built bridges to communities across the border and world.
One of Congress' leading experts on U.S.-Mexican relations, he worked to improve relations and trade between the two countries throughout his congressional career. In 1966, he became the first congressman from the Texas-Mexico border area to serve on the Mexico-United States Interparliamentary Group, which promotes dialogue between legislators from the two countries. He served as chairman of the U.S. House of Representatives' delegation to that group for several years. In recognition of his outstanding work, Mexico's President José López Portillo awarded him the Order of the Aztec Eagle -- the highest honor Mexico can bestow on a non-citizen.
In Washington it was well known that Kika was a giant in the world of Agriculture but those of us here know he was also a vigorous advocate on behalf of his Valley constituents. Throughout his tenure in Congress, Congressman De La Garza never forgot the people he represented.
Kika also helped found the Congressional Hispanic Caucus which is now a powerful force in National politics that advocates on behalf of all Hispanic Americans. The Congressional Hispanic Caucus works every day to make sure that young students -- like those at Kika De La Garza Elementary school in La Joya -- have every opportunity available to them in life.
This is neither the first nor last monument to Kika's service. Research Institute in Oklahoma, Subtropical Agriculture Research Center in Weslaco, Elementary in La Joya, NRCS USDA Plant Material Center in Kingsville, Building in Mission, Street in Mission.
I also want to commend not just Kika but his wife of many years, Lucille, and long time district director Sol Marroquin. Lucille has clearly been his partner since his days in the Legislature, Congress, and beyond. In fact, when Kika was first running for the State legislature Lucille came to volunteer for his campaign. She proved so politically astute she was soon named campaign manager. Being the clever guy that Kika is, he figured out he needed her for every campaign. Soon thereafter his courting began and we all know that it lead to an incredibly successful marriage and career.
And Sol was always a wise sage with his finger on the pulse of the community for Kika when he was in Washington. Kika knows, as do I, the challenges one faces in Congress are many, and the support of an understanding wife and able staff is crucial to success.
Kika and Lucille have devoted their lives together to enhance the quality of life for all citizens of the Valley. Beginning with their three children, all born in Mission, and seven grandchildren, the De La Garzas have set a standard of excellence in their personal and political lives.
Kika is an example to all of us of a true gentleman and public servant who brought honor to the Congress through the civility, respect, and commitment to doing what is right. His lifetime dedication to public service has been a gift to our community.
Today also provides an opportunity to recognize all those who work to enforce our laws. Your task is difficult and your dedication to our Country and community is to be commended. To honor your sacrifice and service this Administration and Congress must give you the resources you require to secure our borders.
Armed amateurs are never a substitute for trained professionals like you. Those of us who live or work in border communities understand the importance of your work and just how strained your resources are.
Our local police and sheriffs are dedicated public servants and very capable law enforcement agents, but being part- time border agents is not their job, as Sheriff Lupe Trevino has made clear. We understand you need the personnel and technology to succeed, and we need the Administration to provide it.
Not one to go quietly into the night and known for saying they should take the word retired off the end of his name, Kika is still giving his opponents fits as the Valley's most seasoned precinct chair. Harry Truman once said, "the most important job I ever had was that of precinct captain. I am not sure Kika would agree with the former President but surely he understands the sentiment as Chair of Precinct 62 in McAllen.
Kika, after all these years you still are changing the world around you. Congratulations on this honor today, it is well deserved and thank you for making us all better for knowing you.
Richard Gonzalez
March 15, 2017
A wonderful great man that my parents knew and spoke about to us growing up in Edinburg.
Serviciable para toda la gente! Thank you! From: The Gonzalez Family
Fernando Mancias
March 15, 2017
Growing up in Alamo, we all heard stories of a Mexican American leader. He was a lawyer, a voting and civil rights activist and a Congressman. He was a legend, from El Valle and was proudly called Kika. A big part of his enduring legacy is that he inspired so many of us to become lawyers and public servants. The door he opened is now wide open. Thank you for your service to family, community and country. Heaven awaits you!
William Gibbons
March 15, 2017
Dear Mrs. de la Garza, Jorge, Mike and Angela,
My sincere condolences on the loss of your dear husband and Dad.
I have many happy memories of good times spent with your family at your home on Layman Lane in McLean.
Congressman de la Garza served his country with honor and distinction. He had an extraordinarily long and successful career as a statesman, and championed many great legislative actions that made our country stronger and better.
With warmest regards from the Gibbons family,
Willy Gibbons
Minga Vela
March 15, 2017
Condolences to the DeLa Garza Family
Minga Vela ,
Rowdy, Russen, Robbie, Michael Vela
Edinburg, Texas
Sharon Waite
March 15, 2017
Kika was such a fine, hardworking, and kind man and did a wonderful job for the Valley for many years, and in particular he was a great supporter of our agricultural community.
We will miss him! Love to Lucille and all the family..
Sharon and Joe, Charlie, Anne
Fernando Mancias
March 15, 2017
Growing up in Alamo, we heard stories of a Mexican American leader. He was a lawyer, a voting and civil rights activist and a Congressman. He was from El Valle and was proudly called Kika. A big part of his amazing and enduring legacy is that he inspired so many of us to become lawyers and public servants. The door he opened is now wide open. Thank you for your life of service to family, community and country. Heaven awaits you.
Fernando Mancias
March 15, 2017
Growing up in Alamo, we all heard stories of a Mexican American leader. He was a lawyer, a voting and civil rights activist and a Congressman. He was a legend and was proudly called Kika. A big part of his amazing and enduring legacy is that he inspired so many of us to become lawyers and public servants. The door he opened is now wide open. Thank you for your life of service to family, community and country. Heaven awaits you.
Ben Ornelas
March 15, 2017
My condolences to the de la Garza family. I hope the many wonderful memories you all shared with him will comfort you in this difficult time.
I will always remember him as the kind and caring Congressman I worked for in Washington. He gave me my first job after I left the military and he set me on the past of success.
I have many wonderful memories of him and the congressional staff and of course his wife Lucille and the children, now grown,Jorge, Michael and Angela - what a role model family!
My prayers are with you all!
Lauro and Leigh Guerra
March 15, 2017
Our thoughts and prayers are with the de la Garza family. He was such a good and cherished friend to our family and the community as a whole. Without question Mission produced some tremendous members of the "Greatest Generation" and he will certainly be greeted by many as he joins them in heaven.
Ricardo Ramirez
March 15, 2017
My sincerest condolences to the family. I'd like to thank for family for the sacrifices they made to allow Kika to be away from them in order to help all of us here in the RGV and so many others. He will be missed, but I shall never forget all that he did for all of us.
God Speed Congressman.
JAMES SHAWN
March 15, 2017
WE'VE LOST A GOOD MAN AND LONG TIME FRIEND.
REST IN PEACE AND OUR PRAYERS TO THE FAMILY
The Clock of Life is wound but once
And no one has the power
To tell just when the hands will stop
At late or early hour
Now is the only time you own
So live,love and toil with a will
Place no faith in tomorrow for
The Clock may then be still
JAMES SHAWN FAMILY
Maria Teresa Pena
March 15, 2017
My sincerest condolences to the family. He was a great man! May he rest in peace.
Dr. Frances Martinez Hancock
March 15, 2017
Please accept my deepest sympathy for the loss of a great public servant. His accomplishments leave a great legacy and example for other politicians. I remember my Dad always referring to him about life's issues related to policy while I was growing up in Brownsville. May Mr. De La Garza rest in peace.
Mike and Lali Villarreal
March 15, 2017
Lucille and Children, words, however kind, can not mend your heartache, but those who care for you share your grief. So sorry for your loss. May God grant you comfort and peace. May he rest in peace.
March 15, 2017
Rest In Peace, Thank You For Being Our Voice In Washington !I Remember Growing Up IN Valley Hearing Hin In The Radio, , WE Have Lost A FRONT Line Soldier For All Mexican American, Rene Salinas
Oscar Simo
March 14, 2017
The contribution he made to the RGV (South Texas Region) should be forever remembered...A true public servant. Condolences to the family.
Susan Barker-Wasson
Susan Barker-Wasson
March 14, 2017
My deepest condolences to Lucille, Jorge, Michael, and Angela. Your husband & father will be missed by so many. He was a loving and wonderful family friend that will always be remembered. Fondly, Susan Barker-Wasson
March 14, 2017
Goodbye my friend. May you rest in peace. The DVGuerra Family
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