In Loving Memory Of

Roberto David Garza, lovingly known as Robert, passed away on January 21, 2026, at 2:14 p.m., at his home in Corpus Christi, Texas, surrounded by his loving family.

Preceded in Death By

Robert was preceded in death by his father, Alberto T. Garza, and his mother, Rosaena Gonzalez Garza.

Surviving Family

He is survived by his wife of almost 44 years, Catherine "Cathi" Garza; daughter Christie Roberts (Daryl); son Scott Garza (fiancée Lauren); grandsons Barrett Roberts and Brooks Roberts; bonus grandchildren Jordan, Adelyn and Jocelyn, all of Corpus Christi; brother Mario Garza (Janice) of Lakewood Ranch, Florida; sister Melissa Najera (Ruben) of New Prague, Minnesota; parents-in-law Carlton J. and Lynne Richards of Brownsville, Texas; brother- and sister-in-law Brian Richards (Elaine Pruden) of Blanco, Texas; and his 8-pound Maltese, Cashew.

Early Life

Robert grew up in Alice, Texas, where he attended St. Joseph Catholic School and later Alice ISD. One of Bobby's favorite high school stories was being Homecoming King—a claim often questioned due to lack of evidence, but always backed by his mother. What could never be disputed was that he bled Alice Coyote orange. Known to family and childhood friends as Bobby, he was a gifted athlete who played baseball, basketball, and ran track. Baseball was his first love, and one of his favorite memories was attending the Mickey Owen Baseball Camp in Miller, Missouri, traveling by bus with his brother Mario—a story he loved to retell throughout his life. Later, he fell in love with golf and often joked that if he had listened to his mother and started with golf, it would have saved him many orthopedic surgeries.

Robert played college baseball first as a walk-on at Texas Tech University, famously soaking the cast off a broken arm so he could try out and make the team. He later transferred to Pan American University in Edinburg before completing his college years at Texas A&I University in Kingsville. When life without sports lost its appeal, Robert set out for new adventures.

After a brief stint in California with his brother Mario, Robert returned to Texas and began a more than 30-year career with Southwestern Bell, SBC, and AT&T, retiring in 2010. A proud "telephone man," he served as a Business Service Representative, Communications Consultant, Account Manager, Senior Account Manager, and Training Instructor. He handled presidential communications for President George H. W. Bush, coordinated Secret Service needs at the Berclair ranch, toured Air Force One, helped implement 911 services in Corpus Christi, and served as Sr. Account Manager for Whataburger during its locally headquartered years, helping establish its first point-of-sale network. He was loved by customers and respected by coworkers—many of whom said he could "sell ice to an Eskimo."

Love of His Life

Robert met the love of his life, Catherine "Cathi" Garza, at the phone company in December of 1980. Cathi had just moved from Brownsville and was in training when she noticed the handsome man with the dark mustache, beautiful smile, twinkling mischievous eyes—and a voice loud enough to be heard well outside the training room. She should have known then that he was different. He was funny, quick-witted, unapologetically sarcastic—her kind of people. They even drove matching red-orange cars, a small but telling sign of the shared spark that would define their life together.

After a bingo win, a Pizza Hut encounter, a Zig Ziglar event, and an impromptu spaghetti-and- wine gathering, their love story took off. They transferred to Austin together, became engaged, and were married on July 17, 1982, before returning to Corpus Christi to build their life.

Bobby was the favorite son-in-law. He and Lynne could talk for hours, usually complaining about doctors. He and Bud shared long daily phone calls, troubleshooting projects via YouTube and FaceTime—fixing things that could have easily been replaced, but never would have meant as much.

Robert and Cathi worked together for more than 30 years for the Bell System, surrounded by their beloved Bell family. They treasured that coworkers knew their children almost as well as they did.

Robert's Greatest Joy

Robert's greatest joy was being a father and a grandfather. Christie, born in September 1983, and Scott, born in March 1988, were the center of his world. Robert as a dad was really a kid at heart. One evening, he and a toddler-aged Christie snuck Cathi's childhood Barbie dolls out and decided it would be a great idea to give Barbie and her friends haircuts. When confronted, Robert blamed Christie—who was two at the time. That was classic Robert.

He was always the "fun" parent and proudly known as "Coach." He coached both kids in multiple sports from ages four through eighteen and remained their biggest cheerleader well into adulthood. He was still helping coach Brooks' baseball team until health issues intervened this past April. Robert didn't just attend childhood—he fully participated. He could be found splashing in the kiddie pool with the kids during the summer, playing driveway basketball, or cheering from the sidelines—often leaving people unsure who was having more fun, him or the kids.

Christie and Scott are deeply blessed to have countless joyful, funny, and meaningful memories of their dad. He was their biggest supporter, safest place, and loudest fan.

When Barrett was born, Robert and Cathi retired and committed to watching him for one year. That year turned into nine when Brooks arrived. Thus began the legendary Garza Montessori Learning Academy (GMLA), with Cathi as Dean and Robert as Athletic Director. Days were filled with beach trips, golf outings, driveway baseball games, backyard golf nets, and even business trips with Christie—always "for educational purposes." Robert was an exceptional grandfather who loved those boys fiercely. He was known to slip them money when Cathi wasn't watching and once took them to the mall to buy $100 Yankees and Dodgers caps—an unforgivable offense in an Astros household.

Volunteer Work

Volunteering was central to Robert's life. A member of St. John's United Methodist Church since 1987, he served in countless roles including Sunday school teacher, Outreach Chair, United Methodist Men, usher, fish fries, pancake suppers, Foundation Board, Board of Trustees, Finance Team, pumpkin patch, Rebuild Refugio, mission work in Mexico, Habitat for Humanity, Joseph's Apprentice, courtyard renovation, 11:17 Worship, and the Food Pantry.

In the community, Robert volunteered with KEDT, served as PTA president and board member, supported youth sports at every level, worked festivals and charity events, participated in numerous service organizations, and gave freely of his time wherever help was needed. Perhaps one of his most meaningful roles—outside of immediate family—was caring for his mother in her final years. He visited her daily and remained devoted until her last breath.

Family Bonds That Gave The Gift Of Time

As a brother, Bobby embraced his role as the middle child, often saying Mario was the smart one, Melissa was the favorite baby girl, and he was the funny one. The family remains forever grateful to Mario, who selflessly donated a kidney to Bobby on September 15, 2021, gifting him precious additional years of life.

Robert's Faith

Robert was a man of deep faith. His favorite scripture was John 3:16: "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life." This promise sustained him and now comforts those he leaves behind. His last in-person church service was Christmas Eve, following a four-hour dialysis treatment. He watched worship online with Christie on his final Sunday on earth.

Robert's Final Days and Legacy

Robert was thrilled to celebrate Scott and Lauren's engagement in December, perhaps one of his most meaningful roles and eagerly anticipated standing as best man at their April wedding. Though he will not be present in body, he will forever remain best man in spirit—his ashes, love, and presence surrounding all who gather.

On April 14 of last year, what seemed like a stomach bug marked the beginning of the last nine months of Robert's life when kidney failure set in. Though the cause was never determined, he faced every challenge as a warrior. In 282 days, he spent 113 days across three hospitals, endured 14 admissions, 14 ambulance rides, and two ICU stays—yet he never waved the white flag. He refused to miss out on family, fun, or life.

Robert's favorite song, "Free Bird," will be played at his service:

"If I leave here tomorrow, will you still remember me?"

"Bye bye baby, it's been a sweet love."

"'Cause I'm as free as a bird now—and this bird you cannot change."

When you have a minute, remember Robert. When you see a "little" Jesus, think of him too. He loved giving them away. Everyone needs a little Jesus.

Special Thanks

The family and #TeamGarza extend heartfelt gratitude to family, friends, churches, and strangers from around the world whose prayers and support were felt and witnessed. We felt very loved and continually blessed. Special gratitude to Larry and Suzanne Roberts, Randy and Cindy Haaker, Robyn Cobb, DaVita Dialysis, and Bay Area Hospital. Robert will forever remain part of the Taco Tuesday gang.

Service Information

A Celebration of Life service will be held Saturday, February 7, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at St. John's United Methodist Church, 5300 S Alameda St, Corpus Christi, with a reception immediately following in the Community Life Building. Memorials may be made to St. John's United Methodist Church – Food Pantry, designated in memory of Robert Garza.

Fenseeta.  💙