Baltazar Garcia

Weslaco - Baltazar Garcia, 94, entered into eternal rest on Thursday, February 4, 2016, in Weslaco, Texas.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Benito and Lorenza Garcia; his sisters Florinda Narvaez, Rita Barrera and Viviana Rodriquez; his brothers, Taurino Garcia, Esteban Garcia, Ysidro Garcia, Albino Garcia, David Garcia and Benito Garcia; all of Falfurrias, Texas.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Irma L. Garcia, Sons: Xavier J. (Irma) Garcia, Hector R. Garcia, all of Weslaco, Texas; Joe D. Garcia of McAllen, Texas; Daughters: Anna M. (Santos) Villarico of Scottsdale, Arizona; Ninfa G. (Paulino) Gonzalez and Irene Garcia of Weslaco, Texas; and Irma N. (Ernesto) Chavez of McAllen, Texas; Grandchildren: David R. (Lisa) Garcia, Laura A. Garcia, Daniel G. (Jacelyn) Gonzalez, Veronica A. (Jason) Branthoover, Santy Villarico, Clarisa Gonzalez, Judy (Jonathan) de la Rosa, Javier Chavez, Victoria G. Torres, Anthony J. Garcia, Aaron J. Garcia, Alyssa D. Garcia and Sarah H. Garcia; Great Grandchildren: Lainey Garcia, Ashley Garcia, Michael R. Garcia, Galilea A. Gonzalez, Penelope Gonzalez and J.D. de la Rosa; numerous nieces and nephews.

Born May 16, 1921 in Falfurrias, Texas to Benito Garcia and Lorenza Morales Garcia.

He served in the U.S. Army during World War II, 1942-1945, seeing combat in Japan and the Philippines. Just days before the atomic bombs were dropped in Japan Garcia’s unit was preparing to help invade the country from New Guinea.

Upon his return he began working at a hardware store in Falfurrias, Texas. He spotted the love of his life, Irma Longoria in 1948 at a funeral they both attended. Taking no chances he called her at the county courthouse, where she worked, early the next day and introduced himself. Baltazar and Irma were wed on May 20, 1951 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Encino, Texas and the reception held at the Santa Rita Ranch in Rachel, Texas.

In 1952, they moved to Weslaco, Texas where Baltazar began work as a manager for the Edelstein Furniture Co. After three years, he left to begin work with J. Edelstein Furniture Co. in McAllen, Texas for the next 34 years. After his “retirement” he opened his own business, Garcia Floor and Décor, which he ran until the age of 92. He was well known for his wit, driving his van emblazoned with his logos “Carpets Almost Free” and “If you find a lower price, I’ll shave my head.” He told a local newspaper, “I never pictured myself here and I’m very proud of what I’ve done in Weslaco. I told my wife Irma, “We’re going to make a home here and send all of our kids to college. And that’s what we did!”

A member of the Catholic War Veterans, Post 770, Weslaco, Texas, he served as Post Commander for several years, serving on various post committees and elected State Commander as well. He received the highest honor from the Catholic War Veterans of the United States of America, the Order Of St. Sebastian Medal. “I have been a very good member of the CWV because I don’t just promise, I deliver. If I say I’m going to help you, I’m going to help you.”

Garcia served for many years on parish committees of St. Pius X Catholic Church, the Diocese of Brownsville Building Committee, the City of Weslaco Housing Authority Board and a member of the anti-discrimination organization LUCLAC.

Visitation will be on Sunday, February 7, 2016 from 1:00 pm to 9:00 pm, with a recitation of the rosary at 7:00pm at McCaleb Funeral Home in Weslaco, Texas. Funeral Mass will be at St. Pius X Catholic Church at 10:00am on Monday, February 8, 2016 with burial following at Weslaco City Cemetery.

McCaleb Funeral Home of Weslaco is in charge of funeral arrangements.