Oscar Hector Garza Jr.

Retired United States Border Patrol 

Assistant Chief Patrol Agent 

Oscar H. Garza Jr. peacefully entered eternal rest on Saturday, August 13, 2022, surrounded by his loving family.

He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, friend and a respected leader in the community.  A native of Laredo, Oscar graduated from Nixon High School in 1965. He was a proud veteran serving in the United States Army assigned to a classified registry attached to NATO in Germany.  While serving, he proudly earned the National Defense Service Metal.  He attended Laredo Junior College and went on to receive a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Texas A&I University Kingsville, Texas.  Oscar was recognized as a Top 50 distinguished alumni from Laredo Community College and in 2002 he was honored as a Nixon High School Mustang Legend.  He was also recognized as The Laredoan of the Year in 2004.

Oscar joined the United States Border Patrol in 1971, and was assigned to the Eagle Pass, Texas station.  He rose through the ranks and became a special agent with the Anti-Smuggling Unit, a Supervisory Border Patrol Agent and culminated his career as an Assistant Chief Patrol Agent for Laredo Sector.  He remained at Laredo Sector Headquarters until his retirement in 2004.  Oscar was instrumental in the creation of many Laredo Sector Community Outreach programs to include the Youth of the Month, Head of the Class, Youth of the Year, Explorer Scouting Posts and the Sector’s Bike Patrol Unit.  These programs remain strong still today.  

Throughout his life, Oscar was passionate about serving his country and his community.  He embodied this through his service as a board member for: Laredo Regional Food Bank, United Way, South Texas Tech Prep, Laredo Federal Teachers Credit Union, Mexican Consul Instituto Cultural, Former Mercy Health Center Board/ Laredo Medical Center Board.  Among his many awards and accomplishments, his greatest accolade was receiving the Newton-Azrak Award which is the highest honor that can be bestowed on a United States Border Patrol Agent. 

Oscar is survived by his lovely wife of 52 years Zulema M. Garza, three beloved children, Annabelle Victoria (Tomas) Madrigal, Oscar H. Garza III and Melissa Yvette Garza and his cherished granddaughter, Victoria Annabelle De Leon.  He is also survived by his siblings George “Gar” Garza, Leonor (Frank) Guerra, Graciela (Ricardo) Castaneda, sister-in-law Sally (Bob) Tedder and brother-in-law David (Lamar) Mendiola as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews.    

Oscar was preceded in death by his parents Oscar B. Garza, Marina Cavazos Garza and his brother Ramiro Garza.  Oscar was beloved and respected by many, “a friend to all” and will be truly missed!  

The family will be receiving condolences on Friday morning, August 19, 2022, from 8:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at Joe Jackson Funeral Chapels and Cremation Services, 1410 Jacaman Rd.  Funeral Procession will depart at 10:40 a.m. to St. Patrick Catholic Church for a mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 11:00 a.m.

Right of Committal and Interment will follow at the Calvary Catholic Cemetery.

The United States Border Patrol Honor Guard will serve as pallbearers.

You may express your condolences, share your favorite memories, and sign the guestbook online at: www.joejacksonfuneralchapels.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care and direction of the funeral service professionals at Joe Jackson North Funeral Chapels & Cremation Services, 1410 Jacaman Rd., Laredo, Texas 78041; (956)722-8850.