Raul C. Garza

EDINBURG - Raul C. Garza 97, entered eternal rest on Monday August 11, 2025. Mr Garza is preceded in death by his wife, Elida V. Garza; parents, Rafael Garza and Sofia Cantu Garza; six siblings, Rodolfo Garza, Rebecca G. Carcaño, Daniel Garza, Ramiro Garza, Samuel Garza, Rafael Garza.

Mr. Garza is survived by his five children, Sylvia L. Reyes, Sandra Garza, Cynthia (Robert) Rios, Albert R. (Leticia I.) Garza, and Ruben M. (Marina) Garza; six grandchildren, Ruben Alfaro III, Joshua R. Garza, Crystal R. Alfaro, Alexandra I. Wolfe, Ricko R. Alfaro, and Kassandra G. Gomez; one great grandchild, Ellie Rose Carranza; two siblings, Moeses Garza, and Rogelio Garza; numerous nieces and nephews.

Raul C. Garza was born in Edinburg, Texas, and was a lifelong resident of his beloved community. He was a devoted member of El Buen Pastor United Methodist Church.

On June 28, 1953, Raul married the love of his life, Elida. Together, they built a beautiful family of five children. Raul was an avid fan of boxing and  NFL football, and he cherished time spent with his family. He especially enjoyed barbecuing, making his famous B.B.Q. sauce, and indulging in a Whataburger now and then. No meal was complete without something sweet—perhaps a reflection of the big heart he carried for life and for his loved ones. Raul loved reading The Monitor to stay informed about local and world events.

Raul had a deep passion for sharing his law enforcement stories, often offering kindness, and wisdom to anyone willing to listen. He was a man of his word and willing to go the extra mile to ensure safety for all during his many years of service.

To his children, Raul set a powerful example of morals, faith, and integrity. He was admired and respected throughout the community for his values, honesty, and steadfast Christian faith—a legacy he inherited from his mother.

Raul was known for speaking his mind. If his words were sometimes blunt, it was simply his way—honest, direct, and without sugar coating.

Raul C. Garza started his law enforcement career with the Sheriff's Office as a Jailer. Garza worked there for eight years. He started with the City of Edinburg in 1965 as a Patrolman under Chief Leroy Eastin.

In 28 years he worked his way though the ranks, from Patrolman to Chief of Police for the City of Edinburg, retiring in 1994.

Major Garza Has attended numerous training schools during his career. These include Narcotic School in Washington, D. C.; Administrative Supervision School in Austin. Homicide Investigation School. Criminal Investigator School, Organized Crime, and Identify Kit School, Emergency Management and Transportation of the sick and injured, all at the D.P.S. in Austin. Advanced Traffic School, General Law Enforcement School with the F.B.I.; and Psychology School at Pan American University. 

Garza has received the following awards and honors:

Outstanding Law Enforcement Officer by the Knights of Columbus

Lower Rio Grande Valley Council

Commendation by the American Legion

Meritorious Service Award

Visitation will be from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. with a 7 p.m. prayer service Sunday, August 17, 2025, at Legacy Chapels 4610 South Jackson Road in Edinburg. Funeral mass will be at 10 a.m. Monday, August 18, 2025, at El Buen Pastor United Methodist Church, 705 E. University Dr. in Edinburg. Interment will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Edinburg.

Funeral services are under the direction of Legacy Chapels in Edinburg.