Carlos "El Oso" Govea

  Carlos Martinez Govea, passed away on April 6, 2026, at the age of 59.

  Born on May 19, 1966, to Aurelio Govea Monreal and Gregoria Martinez Pecina, Carlos was a man defined by his tireless work ethic and an unwavering commitment to those he loved. For forty-one years, he walked together with his beloved wife, Maria Sara Barron, building a life centered on sacrifice, resilience, and deep familial roots.

  Carlos was the true embodiment of dedication. He spent many years working in the dairy industry, a testament to his grit and reliability, before transitioning into construction, from which he eventually retired. He was a man of immense resolve who did whatever was necessary to provide for his family, never shying away from long hours or the most difficult labor. To Carlos, providing wasn't just a duty; it was a profound act of love that dictated the rhythm of his life.

  A gifted mason and a natural handyman, Carlos had a rare talent for seeing the potential in raw materials. Whether he was working with stone, brick, or wood, his hands were always busy creating, repairing, or improving the world around him. His legacy is etched into the many structures he built, reflecting the precision and care he brought to every task. When he stepped away from his tools, he found his joy in the honest pleasures of life. He had a deep passion for horses, finding a unique spirit in the bond between man and animal, and he loved the quiet patience of fishing by the water.

  Above all else, Carlos’s greatest pride was his family. His legacy lives on through his children: M. Cristina Martinez and her husband Bernando Martinez, Carlos Govea Jr. and his wife Jasmin Luna, Tony Govea, and Guadalupe Govea. He was the proud and doting grandfather to nine beloved grandchildren who were the light of his life. Carlos is also survived by five of his siblings, and he now joins his parents and the five siblings who preceded him in death.

  Carlos will be remembered as a man of few words but immense action—a man of steady hands and a heart of service who built foundations of stone and a family of gold. He gave everything he had to those he held dear, and his presence will be deeply missed by all who knew and respected him.

  A visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 8, 2026 at Lacy Funeral Home, and again from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 9, 2026 at the family residence (1742 County Road 563, Stephenville, Texas 76401). A graveside service will follow at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, April 10, 2026 at West End Cemetery in Stephenville, Texas. 

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