Emilio Benitez Garza entered into eternal rest on December 28, 2017 at the age of 87.  He was born on June 4, 1930 in Falls City, TX.

He was preceded in death by Velia Carrola Garza his loving wife of sixty-one years, their two young sons; Roland and Jesse Garza, his parents; Felix and Susie Garza, his two brothers; Paul Garza (Vietnam), Felix Garza, and his sister Aurora Davila.

As a young man, he would spend countless hours in the music studio with fellow musicians recording songs they had produced together.  It was at this studio where he was introduced to the woman who would become the love of his life and who he would eventually marry.  He and Velia raised their children in San Antonio, TX along with spending four wonderful years while stationed in Sevilla, Spain.   He lived a long and prosperous life where he was able to attain numerous accomplishments.  He is a retired United States Air Force veteran of 20 years with the 2954th CLSS (KAFB), a retired civil service employee with Kelly AFB, and was a talented musician.

His passion for music allowed him to play for various audiences, orphanages, senior citizen events, Fiesta events at the Arneson River Theatre, and for veterans in South East Asia, Germany, and Spain during his deployments.  While performing as a mariachi he played several instruments and had a unique singing voice.   Because of his musical talent, he was presented with the opportunity to sing for St. Pope John Paul II, Rosalyn Carter, Prince Charles, during their visits to San Antonio, and other prominent dignitaries.  He was a dedicated member of several San Antonio area Catholic Church choirs during their folk and mariachi masses, appeared in several commercials throughout the state of Texas, and was cast to play a role in three motion pictures, Soy Chicano y Mexicano(Cornelio Reyna), Barbarosa(Willie Nelson, Gary Busey), and 300 Miles for Stephanie (Tony Orlando).

He is survived by his sister Susie Roel, daughters; Velinda Gauna (Martin), Emily A. Garza, Darlene Lopez (Rick), and his son Emilio J. Garza;  ten grandchildren: Melissa A. Garza, Martin Gauna (Lucy), Bianca Gauna, A.J. Garza (Tiffany), Vanessa Caballero (Adrian), Roland Garza (Leilani), Johnny Garza, Eric Garza, April Rose, and Ricky Lopez; fifteen great-grandchildren, and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to his caregivers:   Maria Consuelo (Chello), Ruby, Ada, Anna, Melana, Gilbert, Rich, visits from Chaplain Jose Zuniga, Father Frank Macias, and all those who provided an abundance of medical care to our father.

FUNERAL SERVICES

Wednesday, January 10, 2018

Visitation will begin at 5:00 P.M.
Rosary to be recited at 7:00 P.M.
The Angelus Chapel
1119 N. St. Mary's St.

Thursday, January 11, 2018

Funeral Mass will be offered
at 9:15 A.M.
St. Leo the Great Catholic Church

Interment will follow in
Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery
with military honors