Simon "Popo" Galan, age 87, entered eternal life on January 22, 2026. He was born on October 28, 1938, in San Antonio, Texas.

Simon was preceded in death by his parents, Antonio and Anita Galan; his beloved wife, Bertha; his brother Alfonso, and his son, Edward.

He is survived by his loving children: Thomas; Arthur and his wife, Jerri; Mary and her husband, Chris; and Patty and her husband, Abel. He also leaves behind his cherished grandchildren, Megan, Michael, Johnny, Matthew, and Gail; great-grandchildren, Gabby, Erica, Ira and Jolie; his brother, Tony; his sister, Annie; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

A hardworking and skilled craftsman, Simon loved working with his hands and took great pride in creating things that would last. In 1961, he co-founded Galan Mfg. Co. with his brothers, Al and Tony, building a family business grounded in craftsmanship, dedication, and integrity. Throughout his life, he built cabinets, countertops, altars, picture frames, and toys for his grandchildren, always finding joy in making something useful and meaningful for others.

Faith and family were central to Simon's life. Sending his children to Catholic school was important to both him and his wife, Bertha, and when tuition proved challenging with five children, Simon found a way to give rather than ask. He bartered his skilled carpentry work with St. Gerard Catholic School, building bookshelves and repairing tables and desks in exchange for tuition credit. He later offered his time and talents to St. Gerard, Santo Niño Catholic Church, the Carmelites Center, and many others—never charging a single penny, and always serving with humility and generosity.

Simon was a lifelong Dallas Cowboys fan, rarely missing a game and always ready to cheer on his team. He also cherished traveling, especially the memorable trips he took to San Juan with his daughter Patty, her husband Abel, and his granddaughter Gail—times filled with laughter, family bonding, and lasting memories.

He delighted in casino trips with his daughter Mary and her husband, Chris, always drawn to the slot machines, and treasured his Saturday ritual of buying scratch-off tickets with his son, Tom. In his later years, he shared meaningful time with his son, Arthur, building custom dog kennels—work that brought him deep pride and joy.

Simon was always willing to help anyone in need. Whether he was putting air in neighborhood kids' bike tires, assisting with school projects, or lending his skills to local parishes, his generosity knew no bounds. Every Christmas, he helped Bertha bake cookies and pralines to share with friends and neighbors and at Easter, he delighted his grandchildren by building a train to give them rides.

After losing his son Edward to a drunk driver, Simon devoted himself to making crosses for victims of drunk driving accidents and shared his story through speeches at MADD Victim Impact Panels, hoping to bring awareness, healing, and hope to others.

A father figure, mentor, and friend to many, Simon "Popo" Galan leaves behind a legacy of love, hard work, faith, and generosity. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Visitation will be Thursday, January 29, 2026, at 5 pm; followed by a rosary at 7 pm at the Angelus Chapel. Funeral mass will be offered at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church, on Friday, January 30, 2026, at 10 am. Interment will follow at Eastview Cemetery.