Benjamin Garcia

Benjamin Garcia, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, was born on October 7, 1941, to Cruz Guajardo Garcia and Rebecca Govea in Austin, Texas. Ben was the first-born child to their union. A short time later, his mother, Rebecca married Ned Saldana who played a huge role in Ben’s upbringing.

During Ben’s glorious and blessed 80 years, he married his loving wife of 34 years, Delores Rivers on December 23, 1987. Into this union, Ben brought four daughters and Delores brought her son and daughter.

Ben graduated from Austin High School in 1958. Soon after, he proudly joined the United States Air Force; he served his country and was honorably discharged in 1965. He worked for various government agencies including The Internal Revenue Service and The Immigration Naturalization Service. He later retired from the United States Government after 45 years. Ben explored various business opportunities, he operated a small trucking business and was an advocate for disabled veterans. Ben’s partnership with a law firm led him to pursue his second college degree. While on dialysis, Ben graduated Summa Cum Laude from Colorado Technical University with a 4.2 GPA.

Ben leaves to cherish in memory his beloved wife, Delores Garcia; his children, Nathan Rivers, Opal Rivers, Sylvia Garcia-Luera (Stephen Luera), Iris Garcia-Piñeiro (Peter Piñeiro), Anna Gonzales (James Conant), and Marie Gonzales-Castillo (David Castillo); 16 Grandchildren, 21 Great-Grandchildren, 3 Great-Great Grandchildren; his aunt, Mary Durant and a host of friends and loved ones.

In 1979, Ben was baptized and received the Gift of The Holy Ghost in Austin, Texas. He faithfully attended Dallas First Church for 32 years and served in several ministries. Ben had a passion for reading his bible and praying daily. A great deal of his time was spent playing his saxophone and listening to jazz music. He was a “Jack of All Trades” including mechanics, electronics, and carpentry work. Most of all, he loved sitting with his wife and his dog, Josh, in the backyard pavilion in which they built together.

Ben lived for striking a conversation with everyone and made many friends. He will always be remembered for his sense of humor and his infectious laugh. Ben leaves a legacy of benevolence, peace, joy, charity and above all, he leaves the love that he had for each of us. Ben was a devoted husband, a loving father, a caring grandfather, and was respected as the patriarch of the family. He will be dearly missed.

A visitation for Benjamin will be held Sunday, March 27, 2022 from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM at Moore Funeral Home, 1219 North Davis Drive, Arlington, TX 76012. A funeral service will occur Monday, March 28, 2022 at 11:00 AM at Dallas First Church, 5606 W. Illinois, Dallas, TX 75211. A graveside service will occur Monday, March 28, 2022 at 2:15 PM at Dallas Fort Worth National Cemetery, 2000 Mountain Creek Pkwy, Dallas, TX 75211.

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