Thomas Edward Galvez Obituary

Thomas Edward Galvez, age 56, of San Antonio, TX went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on June 23, 2022 after a hard fought battle with brain cancer. He was born of Phillip and Teresa (Yanez) Galvez on July 9, 1965. Thomas was the third of five children.

Anyone that knows Thomas knew his love for music. As a child he liked to play rhythms and would beat on anything, including the dashboard of his parent's car. He played percussion for his church and began taking guitar lessons in second grade.

In middle school, Thomas joined the band. He also enjoyed sports and played soccer and football all while managing to keep up his grades. He got his first drum set in eighth grade after begging and begging his father. Using a Beatles poster, Thomas set up his drum set based on what he saw from the poster. We now know the poster was flipped showing the drummer playing left handed. Although right handed, Thomas taught himself to play the drum set based on how he had it set up – left handed. He continued his music career throughout high school where he was in the marching and jazz band. It was in band where he met his future wife, Beverly. He competed in solo and ensembles and won several awards for his outstanding performances. His junior year, he auditioned and was selected to perform in an All American Band in Europe. He also had the opportunity to play at Liberty Square and Carnegie Hall.

After graduating from Mesquite High School in 1983, Thomas went on to East Texas State University on several scholarships. He participated in the marching, jazz and the steel band on the collegiate level. He also played in a band, Drastic Measure, which regularly played at the local bar and Dallas clubs. After graduating college in 1989, Thomas got his first job in Pearsall, TX where he was hired as an Assistant Band Director. In 1993, Thomas started at Medina Valley High School and became the Head Band Director the following year. In 2014 he became the Fine Arts Director for the district until he was forced to retire in 2021 due to health related problems. Thomas spent 28 years teaching at Medina Valley High School and 32 years teaching overall.

While at Medina Valley, students made region, area and all state band. Each year he took students to compete at solo and ensemble at the region and state levels. The bands earned numerous UIL sweepstakes awards. He took his bands on various trips to Dallas, Corpus, Galveston, Houston, South Padre, New Orleans, New York, and Florida. In 2008, his band played at Carnegie Hall.

On June 22, 1991 he was united in marriage to Beverly Hohenberger at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Dallas, TX. In June 2022, they celebrated their 31st wedding anniversary. Thomas and Beverly had two children: Mateo Anthony, January 22, 2000, and Rebecca Christine, January 6, 2003.

Thomas enjoyed cooking, grilling, golfing, playing drums and socializing. His friends from the church Praise Team and Band Boosters were especially dear to him. Thomas loved outdoor games such as washers and ladderball. He was an avid sports fan; he enjoyed watching the Cowboys, Spurs, and Rangers any chance he could get. Thomas and Rebecca especially bonded over their love for the Cowboys. He enjoyed spending time with his kids, especially when helping them with any musical question they had. He spent time doing Boy Scout events and assisted Mateo in becoming an Eagle Scout. He was extremely proud of his kids and everything they had accomplished.

Thomas is survived by his wife, Beverly Hohenberger Galvez; his son and daughter, Mateo and Rebecca Galvez of San Antonio, TX; his mother, Teresa Galvez of Mesquite, TX; his sister Diana Galvez of Mesquite, TX; his brother and sister-in-law, Christopher and Kayla Galvez of Moore, OK; his brother and sister-in-law, Joseph and Jennifer Galvez of San Antonio, TX; his Goddaughters Gabrielle Galvez of Mesquite, TX and Veronica Hernandez of Dallas, TX; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Thomas was preceded in death by his father, Phillip Galvez; brother, Phillip Gene Galvez; nephew, Stephen Galvez, all of Mesquite, TX.

Visitation will be held Saturday, July 2, 2022, beginning at 9:00 AM at Zion Lutheran Church (9944 Leslie Road, San Antonio, TX 78254) followed by a service at 11:00 AM.

Anyone unable to attend the in person service is welcome to be part of the service through Facebook live-stream on Thomas' page via Beverly Galvez.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Zion Lutheran Church of San Antonio, American Cancer Society, or a charity of your choice.