Arturo Garza Alonzo

Arturo Alonzo entered his heavenly home on December 24, 2025, at the age of 96. He was born in Muzquiz, Coachuila, Mexico on March 26, 1929, to Juan Hidalgo Alonzo and Socorro Garza. He married Concepcion Moreno on May 26, 1948. Arturo and Concha were married 63 years.

Arturo is survived by sons Arturo Alonzo (Janie) from Austin, Juan Alonzo (Bessie) from Raymore, MO., daughters Concha Resma (Alejandro) from Uvalde, Socorro Hughes from Uvalde, Gloria Harris (George) from Hillsboro, TX and Dora Cardenas (Leopoldo) from Uvalde. Additional survivors include 15 grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren, 4 great-great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Concha M. Alonzo, son, Lupe Alonzo, parents, son-in-law Henry J. Hughes, daughter-in-law Donna Alonzo Vaughn, two sisters and four brothers.

Arturo spent the first 19 years of his life in Mexico. While there was no access to education, the lessons taught by his parents proved to be invaluable throughout life. His parents instilled in him and his siblings a great faith in God, love of family, the value of hard work and honesty.

In 1948, at the age of 19, Arturo immigrated to the United States. He worked briefly at a ranch near Ozona in west Texas then worked for the next 11 years for Bob Ingram at a ranch west of Uvalde. It was with the assistance of Mr. Ingram that Arturo was able to bring his young wife, Concha, and three children to Uvalde. In 1960 Arturo found employment at Mirasol Ranch. At this time the family had grown to six children and the youngest was born the following year.

It was at Mirasol Ranch that Arturo was first introduced to the Santa Gertrudes breed of cattle. It was also at Mirasol that Arturo would become a Master showman and a renowned breeder of purebred Santa Gertrudis. It was not uncommon for his colleagues in the cattle industry to use the word “legendary” when talking about Arturo and his vast knowledge of the cattle industry. Though Arturo never sought the spotlight nor any accolades, he gained a reputation that many claimed was unparalleled.

In 1973, Mr. C. A. McDaniel, owner of the Mirasol Ranch, sold the herd to B.K. Johnson, owner of the Chaparrosa Ranches. The story is that Mr. Johnson insisted that Arturo come with the sale of the herd or there would be no deal. He worked at the Chaparrosa Ranch for approximately 20 years as ranch manager, overseeing the cattle operation. After the ranch was sold in 1992, Arturo went to work at the Texas A&M Ag Research Center where he served as a groundskeeper. He retired in 2007 after 15 years of service.

Though Arturo was recognized and honored by many organizations for his exceptional skills and vast knowledge in the cattle industry, it was his family that was his greatest source of pride. His family was his most enduring legacy. He and Concha made it a priority to be present for every milestone in the lives of their grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They traveled miles to attend parties, school events, graduations and weddings. He carried a playful side that came alive with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He often shared his deep love and trust in God with his children and at times he led by example, as when he would sit in prayer with his Bible. Arturo and Concha were active in their parish, particularly the Holy Name Society, as Mass greeters, and bible study group. He was also an outstanding mass lector and was often seen visiting his homebound friends or those in nursing homes until he could no longer drive.

Arturo epitomized the meaning of a true gentleman. Though he would describe himself as a “ordinary south Texas vaquero,” he will be remembered for his incredible faith in God’s goodness, humble service, outgoing personality, endearing smile and his unshakeable integrity.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 1, 2025, from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. with a rosary at 7 p.m. at Rushing-Estes-Knowles Mortuary.  

A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Friday, January 2, 2025, at 10 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church.  Interment will follow at Hillcrest Cemetery 

Papi/ Buelo…. Rest now peacefully in the arms of our Lord and in the presence of all His angles and saints. Well done our good and faithful servant.

The family wishes to express its appreciation to Dr. Sameta Sosa and the staff at Uvalde Hospice and to caregivers Dolores Banda, Carol DeLeon and Cindy Luna for their kind support and loving care.