Emilio Alberto De La Garza, Sr.

Emilio A. De La Garza Sr. went to be with our Lord on February 9th, 2016. He passed away peacefully at Peace Heath Medical Center in Vancouver WA. He was born on a ranch in Austwell Texas on April 8th 1920. He was an upholsterer for 5 years in Laredo Texas. He met and eventually married his bride, Carmen in August of 1941. They were married for 64 years. Emilio enlisted in the US Army on December 21, 1943. He served as a Gun Crewman and a surgical technician. He was in the Po Valley Campaign. Emilio eared the EAME Ribbon with 1 bronze star and the Victory WWII Medal. He engaged in combat in North Africa and Italy. He received an Honorable Discharge from the US Army on March 12, 1947, he was a Technician fourth grade, and separated from the Army in Fort Lewis Washington. Emilio and Carmen lived in Northwest Indiana for 56 years. Emilio worked for Inland Steel for 33 years, then retired. Emilio and Carmen had two sons, Emilio Jr, and Guadalupe Lee. Emilio Jr joined the Marine Corps in February of 1969. He was killed in Vietnam on April 11th 1970. He saved the lives of 2 Marines in the process and was posthumously awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor. Guadalupe also served in the Marine Corps for 7 years. Carmen De La Garza passed away on April 10th, 2004. Soon after her passing Emilio Sr. took residence with his son and daughter in Vancouver WA. Emilio was known for his charm, quick wit and magnetic personality. He truly was a social butterfly, and loved to flirt with the ladies. Emilio made friends everywhere he went. For the last 4 years of his life he resided at Cascade Inn in Vancouver WA Emilio was truly an amazing man, a dedicated husband, and a wonderful father who enjoyed his grandkids, great grandkids, and his little doggies. He was also a man who truly believed in God, and understood what it meant to have a relationship with Jesus Christ. His motto was "Never give up" and "There is no substitute for experience". He will truly be missed! We love you papa He is in a better place now. Celebrating with his Savior! He is survived by His Son Guadalupe De La Garza, His Daughter in Law, Bren De La Garza, He also has numerous nieces, nephews, granddaughters, grandsons, and 6 great grandchildren.

Emilio Alberto De La Garza, Sr.

April 8, 1920 - February 9, 2016