Walter Garibay III

With hearts filled with both sorrow and love, we announce the departure of Walter “Mijo” Garibay, III, from this earthly life on April 7, 2024. Born to Walter Jr. and Janie Garibay on April 21, 1984, in Midland, TX, Walter's life was a testament to the power of joy, faith, and the impact of a single life on a vast community. 

Walter leaves behind a legacy of love, especially with his daughter, Alayna Garibay, who was the light of his life. His devoted partnership with his wife, Itamar "Ita" M Garibay, brought him great happiness, further enriched by his loving stepdaughters, Hope Chavez and Genesis Guevara. Walter's blended family also includes Jasmine Lopez, and Brianna, Jacob, and Serenity Arrieta.

His life was marked by the early loss of his son, David Garibay, and he was preceded in death by his cherished grandmothers, Vangie Garibay and Vickie Reyes; his grandfather, Arnold Velarde; and his cousin, Daniel Bonilla. 

Walter's sisters and their husbands he called brothers—Erica Carrasco married to Stephen, Amanda Aranda married to Jose, and Elizabeth Sifuentez married to Eric—along with his adored nieces and nephews, Marissa and Noah Carrasco; Zach and Aaron Aranda, and Victoria Sifuentez, continue to carry his spirit forward. 

Walter was an embodiment of ambition and imagination, tirelessly turning his visions into reality. His most recent accomplishment was the establishment of 3WG Field Service LLC, a company he owned, where "3WG" signified the partnership of three generations of Walters—Walter Jr., Walter Sr., and Walter III—and "WG" denoted their family name, Walter Garibay. He loved the challenge of a broken-down backhoe and seeing a smooth road he cut with a motor grater he fixed the day before.

Walter had a zest for life that was deeply rooted in his love for family, the joy of fun, and the pleasures of good food. He was known for his culinary talents, creating delectable dishes that would leave everyone craving more, particularly the family's cherished fajitas, crafted from his great-grandfather's recipe, along with his own unique gourmet creations. For Walter, happiness was found in grilling on the porch of his country home, sharing both food and beautiful sunsets with his beloved Ita, often taking in the beauty in the moon. His passion for the outdoors was evident in his love for flowers and plants and the natural world around him. He loved God’s creation.

A man known for his humor and ability to light up any room, Walter's infectious laugh, goofy demeanor, and a smile that could convince you to do anything were his trademarks. His recent faith journey was significant, finding deep meaning in the ACTS retreat at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in 2022 and his second baptism at Elevate Church this past February.

As we gather to honor Walter's memory, we are reminded of the strength and support system he had in his life, reflected in the selection of pallbearers and honorary pallbearers for his final journey: Pallbearers include Stephen Carrasco, Jose Aranda, Eric Sifuentez, Noah Carrasco, Zach Aranda, Aaron Aranda, Alejandro Suarez, and Jacob Arrieta. Honorary Pallbearers include Alayna Garibay, Genesis Guevara, Hope Chavez, Briana Arrieta, Serenity Arrieta, and Marissa Carrasco. 

These individuals, chosen for their special bond with Walter, represent the many lives he touched and the lasting impact he leaves behind. They carry not just the weight of his casket but the weight of his legacy—a legacy of love, laughter, and the unyielding belief in the power of faith and family.

Walter's passing brings to light the crucial importance of mental health awareness. It serves as a heartbreaking reminder of the struggles many face in silence and the imperative to support one another with compassion and understanding. Walter's story underscores the need for open discussions about mental health, encouraging those in need to seek help and offering support to families navigating these challenges.

As we say goodbye to Walter Garibay, III, let us remember him for the joy he brought into our lives, the belly laughs he blessed us with, and the enduring love he had for his family and friends. May his story inspire us to live fully, love deeply, and laugh often, just as he did.

Walter’s services begin on Tuesday, April 9, 2024 at Lewallen-Garcia-Pipkin Funeral Home, 2508 N. Big Spring St., Midland, TX 79705 with viewing from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM. A Christian service will be held at 7:00 PM with Pastor Sheldon Riley of Elevate Church. A second day of viewing will be held Wednesday, April 10, 2024, from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM. A Catholic Rosary, led by the Men’s ACTS Ministry of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Parish & Shrine, will begin at 7:00 PM. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, April 11, 2024, at 10:00 AM at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Parish & Shrine, 1401 Garden Ln, Midland, TX 79701. Burial will follow at Serenity Gardens in Midland.

Walter's journey from this life to the next will be accompanied by the prayers and love of those who knew him best, celebrating a life lived with genuine warmth, faith, and an open heart. May he rest in peace, surrounded by the love he so freely gave. The family wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks to Ita's parents, Edward S Sr. and Rosalva T Martinez, Edward Martinez Jr. and Carol Rivas and their son Santino, Walter Garibay Sr., Sandra Garibay, Zach and Aaron Aranda, John and Carol Garza, Marina Garza, and Johnny Garza for their incredible generosity that helped us to make all of this possible. A special thank you to Sarah Melendez and Diana Gomez for their beautiful music ministry, Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, Elevate Church, Idle Hands Ministry, Christ Church Anglican, and Lewallen-Garcia-Pipkin Funeral Home. We are also profoundly grateful to the numerous individuals who provided comfort through food and visits during our time of grieving. Your kindness has been a solace in our process of healing. The outpouring of messages on Facebook has been a touching tribute to the life and memory of our favorite guy.

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