Alfredo "Guero" De La Garza

Alton ~ Alfredo "Guero" de la Garza, 76, passed away on Thursday, November 12, 2020 at Mission Regional Medical Hospital.  He was born on July 13, 1944 to Alfredo de la Garza and Ofilia Lopez de la Garza.  

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Antonio de la Garza.

Left to cherish his memory is the "Cowgirl of his Dream" and loving wife of 37 years, Esther.  He is also survived by his sons: Blas A de la Garza (Maritza) and Christopher J. de la Garza; his daughters: Dianne Monica (Mike) Rosas and Gina Lorraine (Roel) de Alejandro; his grandchildren: Abigail de la Garza, Blas A. de la Garza Jr., Rosalie de la Garza, Alfredo de la Garza, Jasmin Moreno, Ramsey de la Garza, Micah de la Garza, Vannah de la Garza, Raelyn de la Garza and Ryan Roel de Alejandro, his siblings; Dr. Blas de la Garza (Alicia), Alberto de la Garza (Dora), Antonio+ (Flora) de la Garza, Maria Elena Diaz (Tony) Ester Botello (Tony), Lydia Soza (Rene) and by "Josie" his loved mare.

Fred graduated from Mission High School in 1964.  After graduating from high school, he served in the U.S. Navy for 4 years, aboard the USS Saratoga. After serving in the U.S. Navy, he was employed in the Oilfield Industry until 1984.  He then became the "Contract Cowboy" for the valley through the Sheriff's Department; covering from Brownsville to Rio Grande City until 2000.

Fred was a loving husband and father, who enjoyed spending time with his family.  He was one of the last "Real" cowboys.  He was an honest man, whose firm handshake still meant something.  He still believed that a man's word was his bond.  Fred was always willing to lend a hand to friends and strangers alike.  There was never a dull moment when Fred was around.  He will be dearly missed by his family and many, many friends.

The family would like to give a special thanks to: Pastor Romeo Mireles, Dr. Victor Villarreal, for the many years of care, Dr. Subbarao Yarra, Dr. Brown at the VA Clinic, Dr. Campos at the VA Clinic.  Dr. Stephanie Escamilla at the VA Clinic, Dr. Michael Jelinek, Dr. Noel Oliveira, Dr. Wenske and Dr. Reagan McMillin.  Also, special thanks to the Alton paramedics who quickly responded to the emergency call and diligently tried to save Fred's life.  An extra special thanks to our long time neighbor and friend, Trooper Nathan Olivarez, who promptly gave Fred medical attention before paramedics arrived.

Pallbearers will be: Shane de la Garza, Everardo Torres, Scotty Espinoza, Abelardo "Leno" Mireles, Brent Owens, Braulio Sosa.  Honorary Pallbearers will be: Nathan Olivarez and Humberto Rodriguez.

Funeral arrangements are under the care of Rivera Funeral Home in McAllen.  Visitation will be on Wednesday, November 18, 2020 from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm with a service at 6:30 pm.  Prayer service will be on Thursday, November 19, 2020 at 11:00 am at Rivera Funeral Home.  Burial will follow at the Rio Grande Veterans Cemetery in Mission.

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