Joseph Morris "Joe" Garza, 77, of Cecil Ohio, passed away peacefully on May 6, 2026 surrounded by family.

Joe was born on September 30, 1948, in Wauseon, Ohio, to Morris Garza of Schulenburg, Texas, and Felipa Garza of Nuevo Leon, Mexico, both of whom preceded him in death.

On September 2, 1967, Joe married the love of his life, Karen S. Garza (Schlosser). Together they built a life centered around family, hard work, laughter, and love for nearly six decades.

Joe was a graduate of Ayersville High School, Class of 1967 and went to work for Hanson Stone until his retirement. He was a hardworking man who took pride in providing for his family and found happiness in the simple things he loved the most.

Joe had a passion for building and driving old cars, tending to his ever-growing garden, reading anything he could get his hands on, and watching his classic B movie monster movies and his westerns. He loved learning, tinkering, and spending time with family. He was also known for his mischievous sense of humor and love of pranks and storytelling. Whether it was teasing someone he loved, slipping in a clever joke, or finding a spot to hide to jump out at you, Joe always knew how to bring humor into everyday life. His laughter and personality were unforgettable to those who knew him. Above all else, Joe was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and friend. His family was the center of his world, and some of his happiest moments were spent surrounded by the people he loved most. Though he may be gone, the laughter he brought, the memories created, the lessons he taught, and his unmistakable ‘Joe Cool’ spirit will live on forever through his family.

Joe is survived by his wife Karen Garza; his children Joseph (Wendy) Garza of Bryan, Kathy (Kevin) Garza-Behr of Peebles, and Lisa (David) Karlstadt of Farmer; grandchildren Darian (Bruce) Lipp, Jack Behr, Alayna (Alex) Jackson, Owen (McKinlee) Behr, Alisan Behr, Wyatt Garza, and Milan Karlstadt; and great-grandchildren Adrian Lipp, Wilder Jackson, Juniper Jackson, and Bayler Behr. He is also survived by his sisters Mary (Fred) Stier of Bryan and Gina (Jeffrey) Ridgway of Bryan.

In addition to his parents, Joe was preceded in death by his brothers Max (Shirley) Garza and Homer (Ninfa) Garza, and his sister Lena (William) Cabot.

Visitation will be held at Schaffer Funeral Home in Defiance, Ohio on Monday, May 11, 2026, from 2:00-4:00 PM and 6:00-8:00 PM. Services will be held at Schaffer Funeral Home on Tuesday, May 12, 2026 at 11:00 AM. Joe will be laid to rest in Myers Cemetery.