FALFURRIAS — The outside of Amancio Garza’s home, located a short walk from Falfurrias Junior High, is distinguishable by the flagpole at the front corner and his well-manicured yard.
A fairly sized carport sits empty, save for a small table near the front door and a small barbecue pit. This is where the 97-year-old World War II veteran likes to spend his time, observing the passing cars and admiring his red and pink hibiscuses.
World War II veteran Amancio Garza, 97, sits by a window at his home in Falfurrias, Texas, on Friday, April 21, 2023. The Army drafted Garza when he was 19 years old. (Delcia Lopez | [email protected])Amancio Garza, the oldest living WW II veteran in Falfurrias, uses a walker to get around his home Friday, April 21, 2023, in Falfurrias, Texas. (Delcia Lopez | [email protected])Amancio Garza’s provider says he wakes up every morning drinks his coffee and then dresses in his military coat. Garza was born in Encino, Texas, in 1926. (Delcia Lopez | [email protected])Amancio Garza’s home in Falfurrias reflects his pride in his country and service during WWII. (Delcia Lopez | [email protected])Amancio Garza, 97, still tends to his garden. His provider says gardening is part of his daily routine, and he takes a lot of pride in his weedless flower beds. (Delcia Lopez | [email protected])Amancio Garza’s provider, Guadalupe Fraiser, helps him put on his military coat. Garza, 97, is a widow and lives alone. (Delcia Lopez | [email protected])Amancio Garza’s daily routine includes a 10 a.m. nap. He loves to spend some of his post-nap afternoons at the Heritage Museum in Falfurrias. Garza’s picture is on display in the museum’s military room. (Delcia Lopez | [email protected])World War II veteran Amancio Garza is a Bronze Star medal and Purple Heart recipient. He has a collection of military caps on display in his living room, and said a military general recently sent him a new cap. (Delcia Lopez | [email protected])
