Paul Garza

They say that AT&T stadium, home of the Dallas Cowboys, has an open concept design so the good Lord Himself can watch his favorite team. What you didn’t know was that one special seat in Heaven is now occupied by one of their greatest fans. Thus begins the obituary of Paul Garza. 

 Paul Garza was born on September 3, 1971, to Asencion Roman and Reinaldo Garza. Growing up in Colorado Springs, he had many friendships and personal relationships that remained constant throughout his life and were especially appreciated through his illness. He had a vivacious personality and always made people laugh, so much so, that Paul was nicknamed “Big Happy''. He made friends everywhere he went; his infectious energy and humor will be sorely missed. 

 Paul came to live in Ohio during the summer of 2011. Traveling with a friend during Sandusky Ohio annual bike festival, Paul met his wife, Melissa Cruz and struck up a friendship that blossomed into a whirlwind romance. They were married September 12, 2015 in Fremont Ohio where they resided until his death. 

 A lifelong fan of Texas sport teams, Paul spent many a day cheering for the games, often having colorful opinions about opposing teams. Not a fan of Ohio State, he was oftentimes regaled to his bedroom during games as to not offend his father-in-law. Nonetheless, he loved the sport, was an avid collector of memorabilia, and spent game days celebrating alongside his family and friends. Aside from sports, Paul loved playing card games, dominoes, and spending time in the yard alongside his four-legged companion Breezy. Many evenings were spent congregating around the family table playing euchre against his in-laws, Henry and Leticia Cruz. Whomever his replacement player may be, they will certainly have big shoes to fill.

 God and family came foremost in Paul’s life. Every morning, meal, and evening ended in prayer and thanks. He is survived by his wife Melissa Cruz; daughter, Kassie Martinez; granddaughter, Rosemary Freas; father, Reinaldo (Hope) Garza; siblings, Barbara (Robert) Proctor, Cynthia Hudson, Isabel Garza, Reinaldo Garza Jr., Donald (Raquel) Garza, Juan (Rosa) Torres; and many wonderful nieces and nephews. He was predeceased in death by his mother Asencion Roman and Anthony Freas. 

 In lieu of a funeral, a celebration of life will be held at a later time. Memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society.