Arturo Garcia Lerma

Arturo (Art) Garcia Lerma born on August 23, 1958, passed away at the age of 63 on August 31, 2021. He was a beloved son, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend to many. Art was the seventh of thirteen children born to Juan and Arminda (Garcia) Lerma in Hillsdale, Michigan. Art attended St. John’s Catholic School and Albion Senior High where he played football, basketball, and was a Golden Glove Boxer. His love and enthusiasm for sports continued throughout his life especially watching his grandsons play.

Art and Terri (Sheffield) moved to Salt Lake City, Utah in 1976 where they had their son, Arthur Lee Lerma. Art and Terri soon after married in 1985. Art also embraced Jeffery Sheffield as his own son.

Through the years Art worked as a carpenter, commercial roofer, and became a co-owner of Porcinni’s Restaurant in Janesville, WI. He then made Las Vegas his home where he started his career as a Casino Dealer at the Golden Nugget. While there Art made many friends and valued his dear friendship with his roommate, Eric Roiter. Art was known for being a gracious host to anyone who visited Las Vegas, and made sure everyone was well taken care of!

Art was always a very giving man and was one to step up for those in need. He loved his family and prided himself in being a wonderful father, grandfather, and great grandfather. Art made sure he was present throughout their lives, along with celebrating each milestone. He loved family gatherings where he had an infectious laugh and sense of humor.

Art was preceded in death by his father, Juan Lerma, infant brother, Andres Lerma, and nephew, Dustin Lerma. He is survived by his mother, Arminda Lerma; his son, Arthur (Angie) Lee Lerma; 4 grandchildren: Jaylynn, Zachary, AJ Lerma, and Myah (Travis) Tucker; great grandchildren: Adilynn and Sabastian; siblings: Lucia, Roberto, Martha, Gloria, Viola McGee, Juan (Jackie) Jr., Rebecca, Ricardo, Louis (Annette), Pablo (Tracy), and Andres Lerma, along with several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.

Upon his wishes, Arturo was cremated. A Funeral Mass will be held on October 9, 2021 at St. John’s Catholic Church, 1020 Irwin Ave., Albion, Michigan 49224 and will be laid to rest at Memory Gardens of Albion, Michigan.