Tributes

“And the caissons go rolling along.” Warrior until the end, Army Ranger SFC (USA Ret) Ernest Garza fought his last battle and marched into Glory on April 14, 2023. He was 84 years old. Always thinking about others, he tried to prepare his family and friends about his final journey during his 40-day hospitalization. Born to Zaragoza and Alicia (Ochoa) Garza, on October 26, 1938, in San Antonio TX, Ernest entered the US Army at the young age of 17. He altered his birth certificate to indicate he was of age. Since then, he had two birthdays—his real birthdate and his Army one, August 28, 1938! Ernest served his country well, fighting in the Vietnam War during four different tours. A humble man, he didn’t talk about his accomplishments. Those who would ask about his career soon learned that he was a hero. He also had tours in Iceland and Germany. He retired from the Army in 1975 with 20 years of exemplary service. In 1978, he went to work for the Air Force at Kelly AFB. While working full time, Ernest attended night classes and earned his B.S. in Interdisciplinary Management from Southwest Texas State University. He retired as an Equipment Specialist in 2000. Welcoming him to Heaven were his parents; brother and sister-in-law, Edward and Mary Garza; and his mother-in-law, Rosa Alvarado, whom he helped care for over five years. Ernest is survived by his beloved wife of over 38 years Frances Garza-Alvarado; daughters, Rose Ann Akeroyd (Stephen), Suzanne Cuellar (David Smith), and Daniella A. Dominguez (Leo Moreno); brother, Felix Garza (Terry); grandchildren, Leslie Casas, Christopher Cuellar, Jennifer Cuellar, Dominic Dominguez, Nicolas Dominguez, Leonardo Dominguez, and Isabella Dominguez; great-grandchildren, Ethan Cuellar and Zaiden Casas; and numerous other loving family members and friends. Funeral services will be held on April 27 at Mission Park Funeral Chapels Medical Center, 8332 Fredericksburg Rd. Visitation will begin at 12:30 pm, and the Memorial Service at 1:00 pm with Ken Rogers, Pastor of St Paul’s Baptist Church, officiating. Interment with full military honors will follow at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery at 2:30 pm. A special Celebration of Life will be held at a later time. Ernest loved Fiesta. For many years, he volunteered at NIOSA. Let us celebrate this great man’s life and entrance into his heavenly home by wearing Fiesta attire.

Tributes

Ernest Garza

October 26, 1938 - April 14, 2023