Simon Garcia was born in Hondo Texas to parents Jose and Sara Garcia on February 18, 1939. One of eight children, Simon spent most of his childhood as a migrant agricultural worker. Joining the military in 1960, Simon served in the United States Army until his retirement in 1984. While enlisted in the army he earned several awards including the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart. After retiring from the military, Simon worked as an engineer for the Martin-Marietta Corporation at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, John F. Kennedy Space Center, Cape Canaveral, Florida. On June 14th, 1972 Simon married Mariana Lerma Damas. Together they raised six children. Simon Garcia died in his home in Oklahoma City on August 7th, 2018.
