Jose Garcia

It is with a heavy heart and sadness that we announce the passing of José García, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and brother, he was fondly known as “Buelo,” he entered eternal life on Monday, 24th 2023. He was born July 20, 1939, in Laredo, Texas to the late Juan García and Esther García Maldonado. José was the oldest of three children, his brother Ruben García and his sister Hortencia García (†).

He served honorably in the United States Army from 1958 to 1981, serving two tours during the Vietnam War with the 1st Air Cavalry Division Airmobile, 17th Aviation Company. He was a Helicopter Mechanic, a Crew Chief of a Caribou cargo plane, a Mechanic Supervisor and ultimately an Aircraft Mechanic Instructor. As he transitioned from a wartime to a peacetime Army, he started as a Bartender, Assistant Bar Manager, to becoming a Chef and working his way up to Restaurant and Officer’s Club Manager, ending his career as the Region Manager for all the Officer’s Clubs in Germany. After his service in the United States Army, José worked at Fort Sam Houston as an administrative officer for many years until his retirement.

Upon his retirement, he dedicated his life and time to his wife Maria and their grandchildren and great grandchildren. He helped babysit, attended talent shows and recitals, cheered them at sporting events and even volunteered as a coach for varies sports and activities. The grandkids loved it when he took them all out for ice cream once a week.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Maria Antonia García of 62 years of marriage. His children:

Gricelda Stokes and husband Joseph, their children Alyana and husband Adam, Travis and wife Tatijana and their son Brayden (great-grandson), Tanner and Antonia.

Ramiro García and wife Martha, their children Shawna and Adam.

Alma Davis and her child Ian.

José García Jr. and wife Dulce.

Carlos Quilantan and wife Gisela, their children Ricky, Ariana, and Danny.

Jaime García and wife Evonne, their children Miranda, Jaime Jr., and Jacob.

Esmeralda Pierce and husband Matthew, their children Marisella and wife Cerene, Elisabeth, Eli, Makaela, and Daniel.

Also surviving him is his brother Ruben and wife Teresa, their Children Alyssa and Anna (†).

He was preceded in death by both of his parents, and sister Hortencia. José will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Visitation Service will be held Monday, May 15, 2023, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM with the Rosary to be recited at 7:00 PM at Sunset Funeral Home at 1701 Austin Hwy San Antonio, Texas 78218.

A Catholic Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, May 16, 2023, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Saint Thomas More Catholic Church, 4411 Moana Drive, San Antonio, Texas 78218. Interment to follow with Military Honors at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery at 11:30 AM, shelter #3 at 1520 Harry Wurzbach Rd. San Antonio, Texas 78218

A reception will be held at the V.F.W. Post 8541, 2222 Austin Highway, San Antonio, Texas, after the interment at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.

The family would like to thank the staff at Sunset Memorial Park and Funeral Home and the Meridian Care Nursing and Rehabilitation Center for their compassion and support.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.sunsetfuneralhomesa.com for the Garcia family.