Juan Garza Jr. ("Bebe")

Juan Garza Jr., a lifelong educator, devoted coach, and proud resident of Kingsville, Texas, passed away peacefully on June 2, 2025, at the age of 89. Born on May 23, 1936, as the youngest of three children to Juan Cuevas Garza and Angelita Meza Garza, he was affectionately nicknamed “Bebe”—a name that stayed with him for life. He was raised in a loving, close-knit home alongside his two older sisters, Engletina “Gante” Garza Barrera and Gloria Garza Carrillo, both of whom preceded him in death. Bebe shared 61 beautiful years of marriage with his beloved wife, Ofelia Vera Garza, until her passing. Together, they built a life rooted in faith, family, and service. A retired teacher and coach, Bebe spent his career both in the classroom and on the field, shaping the minds and hearts of countless students. He extended his passion for education through public service, serving 15 years on the Kingsville Independent School District Board of Trustees, where he championed student success, teacher support, and community-centered progress. As president of the Kingsville chapter of LULAC, he worked tirelessly to promote civil rights, educational access, and leadership within the Hispanic community. During his tenure, he proudly oversaw the construction of the first LULAC housing project in Kingsville, completed in 1972—a transformative development that provided affordable housing and renewed hope for many local families. In addition to serving on the Kingsville Appraisal Board and working with Upward Bound at Texas A&M University–Kingsville—mentoring first-generation college students and opening doors to opportunity—he was a founding member of the El Dorado Club, established in 1957. Created to promote social and cultural enrichment, the club also awarded scholarships to young women pursuing higher education. Bebe was also deeply committed to his faith through the Cursillo movement, a mission he shared with his beloved wife for over 50 years. Together, they dedicated their hearts and time to spreading the Cursillo’s message of renewal and discipleship. He is survived by his daughter, Karla Jean (Garza) Alder, and her husband, Lawrence Alder; along with his son, Juan (John) Garza III. He was a devoted grandfather to Jeremiah Juan Gonzalez, partnered with Rocio Morales; Jerrod Francisco Gonzalez, partnered with Allie Volk; Dillon Joseph Gonzalez, partnered with Mariana Jimenez; Logan Andrew Alder, married to Alejandra Yáñez Gallegos Alder; and Ethan Carlton Alder—each one held close in his heart. His legacy continues through his cherished great-grandchildren: Opal Faye Gonzalez, Oliver Wayne Gonzalez, and Jade Ofelia Gonzalez. He will be remembered for his strength, wisdom, and unwavering dedication to his family, his students, and the town he loved. His legacy is one of service, faith, and integrity. A Rosary will be held on Friday, June 13, 2025, at 10:15 a.m. at St. Martin’s Catholic Church, his lifelong parish, with Mass immediately following at 11:00 a.m. As he wished, Bebe will be cremated—his spirit gently returning to rest beside his wife, Ofelia. While others might see Friday the 13th as unlucky, Bebe would’ve just smiled, winked, and called it nonsense—making this the perfect ending to his love of storytelling wit. Remarkably, both Bebe and Ofelia left this world just 11 days after celebrating their birthdays. His passing at 3:33 a.m. felt like a cosmic echo. Numbers may speak in many ways, but this quiet symmetry feels like something only love could write. In lieu of traditional flowers, the family welcomes potted plants in honor of Bebe’s love for tending the yard and nurturing life. Donations may also be made to the Alzheimer’s Association (https://www.alz.org), a cause close to the family’s heart. May he walk now in light eternal, and may the peace he gave to others surround him forevermore.

Juan Garza Jr. ("Bebe")

May 23, 1936 - June 2, 2025