Dr. Tomas Garza passed away on March 30, 2024, in the Pawnee Valley Community Hospital in Larned, Kansas. He was welcomed into this world on December 29th, in the city of Corpus Christi, Texas, by his parents, Emede Garza and Odilia DeLaCruz. He left Caldwell, Texas in 2012 and has been a Larned area resident ever since.
Beginning his career at Larned State Hospital, he also assumed the responsibilities of Medical Supervisor, colleague, provider, and friend. Serving in the US Marine Corps from 1990 to 1994 was his time in the military.
Along with his many other occupations, he drove trucks for a living. The faith to which he was devoted was that of the Southern Baptists. Among his many involvements at Macksville High School were the American Legion Riders and the Fort Larned Arms Association, both of which he also served as a member.
“Well, I’m going to go be a productive member of society.” That was Tomas’s go-to phrase right before he’d leave the house. His friends and family only caught a glimpse of the bigger picture that made him an extraordinary man.
He achieved a great deal, yet they were only privy to a fraction of his greatness. Be on the lookout for his published memoir to gain a glimpse of the other qualities that, when combined, make him an extraordinary grandfather, friend, brother, spouse, and hero. They were married in Memphis, Tennessee, on February 18, 1991, to Elida Peña, who was his best friend and criminal partner. She accompanied him on every trip he took, starting in the Marine Corps and ending in Kansas. “The same thing we do every day, Pinky, try to take over the world!” he would reply whenever she asked, “Mor, what are we doing tomorrow?” in her role as Brain’s sidekick.
This was a question she would constantly pose to his Brain. There are five members of this family: a mother, Odilia Vargas of San Antonio, Texas; a son, Tomas Garza Jr., of Converse, Texas, who is married to Samantha; a daughter, Angel Mia Garza, of Converse, Texas; four brothers, Enrique (Lori) Garza, Arturo, Joe Vargas, and Roberto, of San Antonio, Texas; and a granddaughter, Mia Elida Garza. Before he was born, his brother Gilberto Garza and father Emede Garza both died. Only he remained from his family. The funeral service will be officiated by Dr. Kurt Davis and held at the United Methodist Church in Larned on Sunday, April 6, 2024, at 10:00 in the morning.
Visitation at the Beckwith Mortuary in Larned, Kansas, will be held from 9 a.m. until 8 p.m. on Friday, April 5, 2024. In the evening, until 8 o’clock, relatives will be present. Larned Cemetery will be the site of the funeral with full military honors. Postal donations in her name may be made to the Mia Garza Education Fund in care of Beckwith Mortuary, Box 477, Larned, Kansas 67550, in place of flowers. To leave a condolence message, in honor of Dr. Tomas Garza, please visit our Sympathy Store by clicking here.
