Alfredo "Fred" Garza, 70, longtime resident of Anthony, New Mexico passed away on September 10, 2024.  He was born May 8, 1954, in El Paso, TX to Adela and Angel Garza and proudly raised in Anapra, New Mexico.

Those left to mourn him include his beloved wife of 51 years Irma, mother Adela Garza, sons Alfredo Jr (Valerie) and Chris (Andrea), daughters Lorraine Mata (Enrique) and Grace Garza. He also leaves siblings Ruth Soto, Josie Garza, Adela Chacon, Norberto, and Alex Garza.  He is also survived by 9 grandchildren, Alfredo III, Jeremy Kestenis, Isaac, Mia Mata, Lucas, Ava, Isaiah Mata, Olivia, and Julius, as well as one great-granddaughter Alani Garza and numerous nephews and nieces.

He was proceeded in death by his father, Angel Garza, brother Felipe Sandoval, sister Angela Garza and grandson Enrique Mata, Jr.

He was a proud member of the Anthony community and there was never a stranger he did not make a friend of.  Fred began working right out of high school at Sunland Park, Ruidoso Downs, and Juarez racetracks from 1972-1978. From there he worked for Elephant Butte Irrigation District.  In 1982 he began working for Southern Union Gas and retired in 2002.

A proud alum of the Gadsden Class of 1972, he loved his Panthers.  While at Gadsden he played football, golf and ran cross country.  He coached many years of youth sports to include soccer, baseball, and brought the first youth football team to the valley (Anthony Cowboys) and even was a volleyball referee.  As his children grew, he remained involved with their sports and coached football and track at Gadsden Junior High and football at Gadsden High School.  He served 3 terms with the Gadsden ISD School Board and later was a substitute teacher at the high school.

Fred loved his Dallas Cowboys and his hobbies throughout the years included golf, bowling, horse races, and the casino.  While we will miss him dearly and mourn his passing, we take comfort knowing he is resting in paradise.

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, at St. Anthony's Catholic Church. Visitation will begin at 09:00 A.M. Recitation of the Rosary will begin at 10:00 A.M. and the Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 A.M.

Service arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Baca's Funeral Chapels of Las Cruces and Sunset Crematory, 527-2222. Your exclusive provider for "Veterans and Family Memorial Care." For online condolences logon to www.bacasfuneralchapelslascruces.com