Patricio “Pat” Garza Sr.

On August 15, 2025, under the same wide Texas sky he’d loved his whole life, Patricio “Pat” Garza Sr., 88, saddled up for his final ride. With his boots by the door, his hat resting nearby, and the memory of countless sunsets behind him, he rode off into the horizon — where the pastures are endless, the rivers run clear, and the trail never ends.

Born on March 27, 1937, in Gonzales, Texas, Pat grew up knowing the value of a hard day’s work, the feel of leather reins in his hands, and the comfort of the open range. He was a cowboy through and through — not just in what he did, but in who he was. Pat’s life was built on honesty, grit, and a deep respect for the land and its creatures.

For decades, he worked cattle under the hot sun, mended fences when the wind cut sharp, and rode the trails with the steady patience of a man who knew there’s no rushing good work. When he wasn’t in the saddle, he was outdoors — fishing in quiet streams, hunting in the early morning mist, or simply walking the fields to see what the day might bring. Pat never just looked at nature; he was part of it.

Friends and family knew him as a man of few words, but every one of them counted. His handshake was his bond, and his word was as solid as the oaks he rode past. He told stories that could make you laugh until your sides hurt, and he carried wisdom earned through a lifetime of listening more than speaking. Around a campfire, with a cup of coffee in hand, his eyes would twinkle with memories of good horses, loyal friends, and trails well-ridden.

Pat was not only a cowboy — he was a family man through and through.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Manuela Garza. He leaves behind his children: Pat Garza Jr., Joe Garza, Danny Garza, Adam Garza, and his daughter Beatrice Ruiz. He also leaves behind numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, each carrying a piece of his spirit. He taught his family how to work hard, live honestly, and never pass up the chance to watch a sunrise.

He often said, “A man’s true wealth is in the memories he leaves behind,” and by that measure, Pat was a wealthy man indeed. His legacy is in every fence post he set straight, every trail he rode, every laugh he shared, and every hand he helped up along the way.

A visitation will take place on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, at Seydler – Hill Funeral Home from 5:00pm to 7:00pm, with a rosary following at 7:00pm. A funeral liturgy will take place on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, at 10:00am. Interment will take place at Gonzales Memorial Park Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the American Heart Association in honor of Pat’s lifelong love for the land, its animals, and the people who work it.

Ride easy, Cowboy. The dust has settled, the work is done, and the sun is setting on a life well-lived.

We’ll meet you again, somewhere past the horizon.

All services are under the care and direction of Seydler – Hill Funeral Home in Gonzales, Texas.