Nov 30, 2020

Vicente 'Vince' Ray Garza

Posted Nov 30, 2020 4:15 PM

Goodland resident Vicente Ray Garza died unexpectedly November 25, 2020 at Porter Adventist Hospital in Denver CO. He was born Nov 5, 1976 in Colby, KS, the son of Raymundo Soto-Garza and Mary K YaƱez and step son of Juan YaƱez.

Vicente was lovingly called Vince by all who knew him.

Vince received his GED then he attended NWKTC for mechanics after GED. Then after he worked various jobs, Vince was very knowledgeable in electrical work carpentry and just about anything. He set up mobile homes with his uncles and stepdad for Nationwide, he was a cook/dishwasher at the bricks cafƩ, he was also a cashier at Conoco, a job in which he loved dearly. He loved his customers and always made sure to say hello and made it his personal goal to make sure they left the store with a smile.

Throughout Vince's life he had 3 great loves, (Patricia Murphy, Jennifer Smith, and Nancy Latimer) Each the mother of his three children of whom he was very proud of (Chestin, Heather, and Dora).

Vicente was never married though he was currently engaged to marry Nancy Latimer. His death cut his plan short but Vicente tried.

Being described as ā€œjust being a cool guyā€ Vince always had a smile on his face. He had a way making people feel comfortable and liked to be the host.  He enjoyed throwing ā€œbackyard boogiesā€ consisting of good music, lots of laughs, and BBQ! He loved to barbecue and would do it every day if he could. He collected Homies figures, was a talented drawer, and like Lowrider cars and loud car systems he liked to set the car systems up and tent car windows. He especially loved the Oakland Raiders, but more than those things he loved his mama. He had his ups and downs and was in and out of the system but later turned his life around. He enjoyed volunteering at the local Genesis Food Bank and ringing the bell for the Salvation Army during the holidays. He took a lot of pride in decorating the Christmas tree at the courthouse every year. He reached his goal of getting off of probation this year which was a huge accomplishment for him; he would spend time scratching lottery tickets, hanging out at home and jamming out to some good music with his beloved pet Bruno and Chiquita and his fiancĆ© Nancy. He also enjoyed throwing the football around with his nephews. He was a loyal friend, loving brother, proud father and son.

Vicente is preceded in death by his father, Raymundo; his grandparents Ramon and Thelma; and his uncle James and David and his cat Bruno.

Vicente is survived by his children Chestin Murphy of Otis, Kansas; Heather Smith of Alabama; and Dora Dominguez of New Mexico as well as his fiancƩe Nancy Latimer, and his dog Chiquita. He is also survived by his mother, Mary (Juan) YaƱez of Goodland Kansas; his brother Juan D YaƱez, and his sisters, Maria (Paco) Garza, Jeannie (Derek) Baxter, and Elizabeth (Anthony) YaƱez all of Goodland, Kansas; Gabriel Salazar of Emporia, Kansas; as well as many beloved and 13 nieces and nephews, 2 great nieces and hopefully and great nephew on the way and cousins, aunts and uncles.

Vince has chosen to be cremated with his ashes being placed in a personally chosen memorial spot.

A celebration of life will be held December 12, 2020, at a location still to be determined. 

Those who wish to remember Vicente in a special way may make their gifts in his memory by mailing them or dropping them off at Koons-Russell Funeral Home, 211 N. Main Ave, Goodland, KS 67735, or by going to www.koonsrussellfuneralhome.com and leaving their gift there under the donations tab; or by leaving it with a family member. 

His family dearly appreciates your help, prayers, warm energy, and well wishes.

Online condolences for the family may also be left at www.koonsrussellfuneralhome.com.

Services have been entrusted to Koons-Russell Funeral Home in Goodland.