Luis Angel Garza

April 23, 1955 — December 14, 2023

Luis Angel Garza
April 23, 1955 – December 14, 2023
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Luis Angel Garza on December 14, 2023.
Luis Angel was born in Cotulla, Texas on April 23, 1955, to his loving parents Alejandro and
Maria Elena Garza. Luis Angel was an exemplary son, was loving, generous, and always caring
toward his elderly parents who adored him incessantly. He kept his integrity to his parents and
always treated them with love, dignity, and respect. Although his family had deep roots in
Cotulla, he was raised in a suburb of Chicago named Wheeling, Illinois. Luis Angel graduated
class of 1973 from Wheeling High School, where he lettered in baseball.
Inheriting his father’s hard work ethic, Luis Angel began his work life in construction. In 1982,
he moved with his young family to Houston, Texas and continued his life in construction as a
dump truck driver, where he made close friendships. He took pride in delivering and retrieving
soils to help develop his community; such as the work he did to create Hobby Airport runways.
Later, he found employment as a Chemical Operator for a petrochemical company. He then
dedicated 22 years of his work life as an Operator Technician for an electricity generation
company. In that time, he was recognized and received 3 awards during his tenure. His hard
work ensured that Houston had the electricity daily and during emergencies. If you’ve ever
turned on a light switch, you had a connection to Luis Angel.
Luis Angel’s journey was filled with love, faith, family, and innumerable cherished moments.
Luis Angel shared forty-two years of his life in Houston, Texas with the mother of his children
Herlinda Carbajal-Garza. A partnership that stood as a sterling example of commitment. They
supported each other through life’s challenges, celebrated joys and family blessings, all while
building a loving atmosphere and strong support system for their offspring.
Luis Angel was an extraordinary father. He was a constant source of guidance and support to
his children. Luis Angel leaves behind his dear daughter Ginalinda Carbajal-Gonzalez and his
beloved son Luis Alejandro Garza, which he constantly showered with the love that they will
hold onto forever. A living testament to his unique nurturing spirit, unwavering affection and
endless care, his impact on their lives will continue to shape their future.
Fortunately, Luis Angel’s legacy extends to the next generation as he leaves behind two
cherished grandsons, Dante Hilario Gonzalez-Solares & Ricardo Carbajal-Gonzalez “Rico”, whom
he helped raise and cared for as his own. He shared his wisdom and maintained a loving and
healthy bond with his grandsons, while in return they filled a special space in his heart that only
grandchildren can fill.
Luis Angel sustained a close relationship with his sister Esmeralda and her husband Keith Tolley.
He unconditionally loved and cherished his relationships with his nephews, Clinton, Matthew,
Nicholas, and his niece Laura. He took pride in the many Tolley grand-nieces and grandnephews,
and was delighted to hear of their growth and achievements. Also, he cultivated
caring relationships with his Carbajal in-laws. He always held in his heart the countless nieces
and nephews that lovingly called him “Tio Louis.” Their bond was proof to the enduring
strength of family ties.
Luis Angel was a member of St. Luke the Evangelist Catholic Church where he practiced his
faith. When Luis Angel’s son was young, he served his community by coaching baseball and
participated on the board at Freeway American Little League. He was a lifelong Chicago Bears,
Chicago White Sox, and Astros fan. In his free time, Luis Angel enjoyed playing golf with his
friends, daily bicycling, dancing, and loved movies with a moral and positive message. Keeping
close to his roots, he enjoyed listening to Tejano and Mariachi music. He avidly consumed
current events and was stellar at Jeopardy. His keen intellect also gave him an edge while
watching Wheel of Fortune.
Luis Angel Garza’s life reflects the power of love, family, and enduring connections. A legacy
that will continue to resonate for generations to come. As we mourn, let us celebrate his life
and the profound impact on the lives of those fortunate enough to have known him.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to either:
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
(https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html?sc_icid=home-btn-donate-now)