Armando R. Garza1947-2016Armando "Andy" R. Garza passed away Monday, October 10, 2016, at the family ranch in Cuero, TX. Andy was born on May 18, 1947, in Cuero, the only child of the late Ralph Garza and Librada "Lilly" Chavez. Andy graduated from Cuero High School in 1965, attended Victoria College and received his Associate's Degree in 1967. He continued his education at the University of Houston Central Campus in Houston earning his Bachelor of Business Administration Degree in 1969. In 1971, he married Sylvia Flores, of Victoria, TX and recently they celebrated 45 years of marriage. He is survived by his wife, Sylvia, of Sugar Land, TX and their children, Monica and Stephen Garza, also of Sugar Land, TX, several brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, and many cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents.Andy began his career in Harris County as an auditor for several years and then began working with the U.S. Department of the Treasury as an IRS agent. He worked for the Department of Homeland Security Bureau of Customs and Border Protection as a Customs Officer and Regulatory Auditor. He continued to work for the Department of Homeland Security until his retirement in 2005. He received many awards in recognition and appreciation for noteworthy contributions to the effective and efficient operation of the Department of the Treasury. Andy proudly served as a Private in the U.S. Army National Guard. There will be a flag presentation at the cemetery.He was a member of the Port of Houston Lions Club and from 1979 - 1980 served as President and later as Treasurer. As a member, he worked on special projects such as the Annual Glasses drive. He enjoyed working at BBQ's and other special events to raise money for the Club. Andy also enjoyed coaching little league baseball and the thrill of his life was watching his son, Stephen, hit a homerun in the Astrodome while in the high school playoffs in 1999. He enjoyed watching Monica play little league baseball and striking out all the boys. Andy loved spending time at the family ranch in Cuero and enjoyed visits from his neighbors, Curtis and Myra Booth. Many family and friends enjoyed visiting the ranch over the years, fishing on the Guadalupe River and hunting. He taught his wife and children how to shoot but also how to respect guns. Andy loved watching UH Cougar Football, Houston Texans Football, the Houston Astros and also the Houston Rockets. He enjoyed playing his guitars and he loved his beagle, Clinton, and all he had to say to him was, "Come on buddy, let's go watch the game", and Clinton followed his best friend.The service to honor and celebrate Andy's life will begin on Monday, October 17, 2016, with a visitation from 6 to 7 pm followed by a rosary to be recited at 7 pm at Colonial Funeral Home. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church at 9 am on Tuesday, October 18, 2016. Burial will follow at Resurrection Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Gilbert Perez, Eugene Perez, Ole Nygren, Noe Garza, Ismael Garza, Manuel Reyes, Stephen Garza, and Curtis Booth."The Lord is my shepherd, I have everything I need. HE lets me rest in fields of green. He leads me to quiet pools of fresh water. HE gives me new strength. HE guides me in the right paths as HE'S promised. Even if I go through the deepest darkness I will not be afraid, LORD, for you are with me."Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.colonialfuneralhomevictoria.com