Carlos Lazo’s impact on his community and family will be remembered after his passing from Parkinson’s disease.
Highlights
- Carlos and Maria’s love story spanned nearly five decades, beginning when they met at Ray High School and culminating in 46 years of marriage.
- His wife Maria and former teammates described him as a kind, genuine person with a competitive drive and a gentle nature.
- His passing at age 72 left a legacy that combined athletic excellence with personal virtues of kindness, loyalty, and faith, remembered fondly by family, teammates, and community members alike.
Carlos Lazo emerged as one of Ray High School’s most outstanding athletes during the transformative era of Texas high school football in the early 1970s.
As a two-way end and punter for the Ray Texans, Lazo was key to their successful 1970 season, leading them to a 10-2 record and a second-round playoff appearance in UIL’s largest classification.
His exceptional performance earned him all-state honors in his senior year, showcasing his versatility not only in football but also as a standout in basketball and track.
Lazo’s most memorable moment came during the historic Miller-Ray showdown for the 27-4A championship, where he caught a crucial 8-yard touchdown pass that helped secure a 14-6 victory against the seventh-ranked Buccaneers.
His impressive punting, with high kicks that amazed spectators and teammates, became legendary.
After graduating from Ray in 1971, Lazo continued his football career at Tyler Junior College for two seasons, cementing his legacy as one of the finest athletes to emerge from Corpus Christi.
Carlos Lazo’s Love Story with Maria and His Community Legacy Live on After His Death
Carlos Lazo’s life story extended far beyond the football field, marked by a beautiful love story and a profound impact on those around him.
On January 31, 2024, Lazo passed away at his home in Corpus Christi after a courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease and dementia.
He was 72 years old, leaving behind a legacy of athleticism, kindness, and devotion to his family.
At the heart of Carlos’s personal life was his enduring relationship with his wife, Maria.
Their love story began in Ray High School, where Maria was a sophomore when Carlos was a senior.
Their connection blossomed into a lasting partnership, leading to their marriage in 1978.
The couple celebrated their 46th wedding anniversary in 2023, marking nearly half a century of shared love and companionship.
Maria remembers Carlos as more than just an athletic champion – she knew him as a true gentleman with a gentle spirit and unwavering faith.
“He was a sweetheart,” Maria fondly recalls, highlighting his genuine nature and deep spiritual connection.
“He had the love of the Lord. He loved the Lord. He was so sweet.”
Caller
Their relationship was filled with comfort and unconditional love, making his passing especially hard for Maria.
Those who knew Carlos off the field remembers him for his athletic achievements.
His easygoing demeanor and natural ability to attract people stood in stark contrast to his fierce competitive spirit on the field.
Former teammates, including Rudy Avalos and the Barrera brothers, remember him not just as an exceptional athlete but as a loyal friend who fostered deep connection among his peers.
The impact of Carlos’s passing is felt deeply throughout the Corpus Christi community, where he remained a beloved figure long after his playing days.
A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held at Trinity Our Savior Lutheran Church, allowing family, friends, and community members to honor the memory of a man who exemplified excellence both in athletics and in life.
Through his 46-year marriage to Maria, his impact on Ray High School athletics, and his gentle spirit that touched countless lives, he left an indelible mark on his community.
His legacy lives on through the memories shared by his loving wife Maria, his former teammates, and all those who had the privilege of knowing him as an athlete, friend, and man of faith.
Additional Information
- Lazo played a crucial role in shutting down Miller’s wishbone offense during the memorable 1970 championship game, where his team held the Bucs to just 107 yards and four first downs, while also helping force three fumbles.
- His punting abilities were remarkable, particularly demonstrated during the championship game where he punted eight times with a 36-yard average despite challenging wind conditions.
- According to former assistant coach Joey Allen, who was the only surviving member of the 1970 varsity football staff, Lazo never made a mistake in practice – on either offense or defense – during his two years on the varsity team.
