Sylvester Enrique Garza (Uncle Vester), 70, of Hallettsville, passed away July 25, 2023, after a long battle with heart and lung disease.  He was born at home on December 31, 1952, to Henry and Elvira Garza in Hallettsville.  He attended Ezzell School and later attended Hallettsville High School.  He joined the Job Corps in San Marcos and trained to operate heavy equipment, doing seismograph work in Louisiana and Texas.  He later worked for Harris County doing road construction and ferry operation.  Following a stroke in 1997, Sylvester returned to Lavaca County and began to enjoy his retirement years.

Vester, or Silver as he was called by many, found lots of things to keep himself busy back in his hometown.  He volunteered at Stevens Nursing Home calling bingo, organized a group of other retirees to drink coffee at Brookshire Bros every morning, and gave rides to friends whenever they needed to get to the doctor, the store, or the laundromat, becoming Hallettsville's first and only Uber driver.  His favorite activity was his regular treasure hunt through town to collect cans and other discarded items that he could sell or give away to people who needed them.  He made lots of friends on his travels, and his truck became well known as he gave a friendly smile and wave to all those he passed along the way.

Sylvester was a faithful member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, attending Spanish mass and adoration whenever he could.  He had a strong faith in God, and we know he is with his Lord today.

A few years ago, Sylvester's health began to decline and he became a resident at Stevens Nursing Home.  As always, he began to make friends and keep the staff and residents entertained with his infectious smile and silly jokes.  He kept busy playing bingo and dominoes, and the staff called him "the CEO." He will be especially missed by Angeline Dorsey, Etta Chapman, Lavonia Harris, Terry Davis and Tishanne Carroll.

Sylvester is survived by:  his baby sister Basillia (Chuck) Adams; brother Steven (Charline) Garza; stepchildren, Jason Green and Jennifer Abad; grandchildren, Megan & Amelia; nieces, Felicia Garza, Alicia (Randy Nelson) Garza, and Jennifer (Eli Sciba) Garza; nephews, Christian (Kirstin McKinney) Axel, Michael (Danielle) Garza, Joaquin Garza, Henry (Chelsea) Garza, and Ricky (Christy) Garza; several great nieces and nephews; and leaves behind his beloved best friend and faithful companion, Lobo.

Sylvester was preceded in death:  by his parents Henry and Elvira Garza; brothers, Robert Garza and Ruben Garza; and sister Estella Garza.

Funeral Mass Service: 10 am, Tuesday, August 1, 2023, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Hallettsville. Visitation: starting at 5 pm, Monday, at Kubena Funeral Home and Rosary starting at 7 pm. Pallbearers: Christian Axel, Michael Garza, Joaquin Garza, Henry Garza, Ricky Garza, and Cam'ron Alamilla. Honorary Pallbearers: Dr. Corey Scruggs, Dr. Yusuke Yahagi, Dr. Haresh Kumar, and all the Brookshire Bros. coffee club members. Officiant: Msgr. John Peters. Memorials: Sacred Heart Catholic Church, the American Heart Association, the National Kidney Foundation, or donor's choice. Burial: Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery.