Heriberto Escoto Garcia

Heriberto Escoto Garcia, known by many as “Herbie”, passed away peacefully on March 23, 2023, he was 77 years old and preceded in death by his parents, Juan Garcia and Maria Escoto, and his sister, Llalla. Survived by nine siblings, Sophia, Reyna, Chole, Paz, Emilia, Rafael, Gabriel, Miguel and Nivardo, his wife, Maria Consuelo Rivas, seven children, Araceli (Roberto Robles), Heriberto (Lauren Monzyk), Anna, Ivan (Jenifer Bartels), Miguel (MaryAnn Williams), Johnny (Amelia Bartels) and Aileen, and fourteen grandchildren, Jasmin (Evan Lewis), Briana, Alexis, Izak, Natalia, David, Lucas, Kayden, Dale, Herbi, Lucy, Mica, Isla and Brooks, and many family and friends.

Herbie was a lover of life. Born outside of Arandas, Jalisco, Mexico, and immigrated to the US for the opportunity of a better life. Passionate member of St. Mary’s Parish in Dekalb/Sycamore, IL and St. Cecilia’s Parish in St. Louis, MO, where he was active in Cursillo and ACTS movements, respectively. He loved the word of God and was devoted to the Holy Rosary. He always admired and saw the beauty in the natural world around us, flowers, birds, trees, animals (except those pesky squirrels). He committed most of his professional career as an autobody tech to Jim’s Body Shop in Dekalb, IL where he worked alongside his boss and partner-in-crime, Wade Williams. A lifelong learner, he was the family chef, gardener, artist, fisherman, poet, storyteller, photographer, and grill master, to name a few. The ultimate green-thumb, tinkerer, and handy-man. Devoted patron of every garden shop and hardware store within a 5-mile radius of home. He always had the right tool or ten for the job. Believer in the “not if, but how” ethos. Always there with loving words of encouragement or tough love, as needed. Loved his best pal Mister, the family Lhasa Apso, his 1958 GMC pick-up truck, and all things small/miniature because he thought they were “so cute”. If ever asked, he was most proud of his beloved Chelito and all his kids. Though heart-broken, we take comfort in our love and memories of him and knowing he is home with his Savior. We love you Papi and we’ll do our best to get Mom to your Funeral Mass on time.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, April 3, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Cecelia Church, 5418 Louisiana Ave., St. Louis, MO 63111, followed immediately by the Rite of Committal and entombment at Resurrection Cemetery (private) and reception from 2 to 6 p.m. at Rose of the Hill, 2300 Edwards St., St. Louis, MO 63110.

In lieu of gifts/flowers, please consider donating to St. Cecelia’s Maintenance Fund, online at https://form.jotform.com/230864345119154 (please right-click and choose “Open Hyperlink” if the JotForm is not active), or by mail to 5418 Louisiana Ave., St. Louis, MO, 63111.