Harry Patiño Galvan

Harry Patiño Galvan, age 63, beloved husband, dad, grandpa, and friend, passed away peacefully at his residence, surrounded by his closest family, on October 22, 2023.

Harry, also known as "Blackdayz" to many of his family and friends, was born on February 18, 1960, in Ballinger, Texas, to Jose C. Galvan and Virginia Patiño Galvan. He graduated from Ballinger High School in 1978. He later went on to CCI Truck Driving Institute in San Angelo, Texas, and graduated in 1988, where he was awarded first place for his skills in backing up flatbed trailers. He continued to pursue his passion for long-haul truck driving for the next 37 years.

On August 26, 1983, he married the love of his life, Rachel Fuentes Galvan, in Rowena, Texas. Their love for each other led them to have three beautiful children, bringing them three handsome grandsons.

Harry, the best quesadilla maker in the world, enjoyed listening to music in his garage while working on his precious Chevelle (which will NEVER be for sale) and spending quality time with his family and friends. You would often find Harry washing his and his family's cars and big rig, ensuring it was spotless, especially the tires. There wasn't a Dallas Cowboys, Texans, or Astros game he would miss, even if that meant he had to bug his daughters to put the game on. Harry was a jokester and loved watching Progressive, Allstate, and Liberty Biberty commercials, often calling his kids to reenact the commercial over the phone. Harry was very easy to talk to and was an excellent listener. However, if he gave advice or told a story and you weren't listening, he would often ramble on about some random topic to throw you off and make you question what he was talking about, only to test you. Harry could always put a smile on your face and make you yell at him all in the same day. He loved teasing his wife, Rachel, about her selective hearing. He was usually the first one in the car rushing everyone. And when on vacation, he would only pull over when he was ready to stop. He hated being on a boat in the ocean. He said he would never ever go back on a boat again. The last time he went, he thought he would have to be airlifted off the boat. He enjoyed fishing but on land only. He loved singing random songs, especially "Chandelier" and "Shine Bright Like a Diamond," to his family even if he couldn't carry a tune. He loved listening to Jelly Roll and all his favorite songs until the early morning, frequently asking his kids to "crank it up." He enjoyed the outdoors and just sitting on the porch with his grandsons and granddogs while he drank beer, telling them all his truck-driving stories and about all the beautiful places he had seen on the road. He shared words of wisdom with his kids and grandsons and taught them driving tips and what not to do when driving. Harry was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need, from fixing his kids and grandson's cars to giving away his things to anyone who needed them.

Harry is survived by his wife of 40 years, Rachel Galvan, of Ballinger; his children, Naomi "Nini, Panini" and son-in-law Tyler Mathews, Sarah "Prieta Pooh," and Antonio "Bologno"; his grandchildren Kolynn "Gordo" Molina, Dylan "The Mailman" Valles, and Johnny "Yoni" Valles all from San Antonio, Texas, brother Joe, Jr. and wife, Eloisa Galvan of San Angelo, and sister, Lupe Galvan of Ballinger, Texas, and several aunts, uncles, in-laws, nieces, and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Jose and Virginia Galvan, and grandparents. Harry will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and everyone who knew him.

A vigil and rosary will be recited on Wednesday, October 25, 2023, at 6:00 p.m., at Lange Funeral Home Chapel.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, October 26, 2023, at 10:00 a.m., at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, with Father Tim Hayter celebrating.  Interment will be held at a later date.