Francis Garcia

Frank passed away at the age of 91 on Feb. 17, 2011 in Spokane Valley, WA.

Born in Corbin Cliff, Illinois June 22, 1919 to Francisco Roberto Garcia and Angela Hernandez Garcia, he was the youngest of seven living children. Prior to World War II, Francis attended school up to the eighth grade until he went to work as a laborer for Rock Island Railroad. As soon as he was of age he was promoted to Brakeman Conductor. Francis married Louise Scharffer Dec. 31st, 1943. Prior to the Pearl Harbor attack Francis enlisted in The Army Air Corp., becoming an instrument specialist and a navigator, with a tour of duty in Northern Africa. After Francis was honorably discharged he was hired on to the Chicago Milwaukee St. Paul Railroad. He moved his family to Malden, WA in 1946. In 1961 the family moved to Spokane Valley, Francis was forced to retire in 1973 due to a railroad accident in which he lost his foot. He then became an investigator for the Rerat Law firm out of Minneapolis, Minnesota that represented accident victims for all railroad employees which he served until 1985. Francis was active in the local chapter of N.A.R.V.R.E. He also belonged to the Burlington Northern Railroad Retired Veteran Assoc.; and the Fraternal Order of Eagles out of St. Maries, ID for 65 years. Francis loved softball and played for several different companies as Pitcher. He always listened to the Mariners and the Gonzaga Ball games on the radio. Francis was a lung cancer survivor. He was preceded in death by his wife of 44 years, Louise, his parents, his brothers, Adolph Garcia, Manuel Garcia, Louis Garcia, Raymond Garcia, and James Garcia as well as his sister Natalie Tamayo. He is survived by his daughter Frances, one granddaughter, Angelia and one great-granddaughter, Natalya. Visitation will be held today Wednesday Feb. 23, 2011 4:00-8:00 PM at Thornhill Valley Chapel 1400 S. Pines Rd. Spokane Valley. Funeral Services will be held Thursday Feb. 24, 2011 at 11:00 AM, at St. John Vianney Catholic Church 503 N. Walnut Rd. Spokane Valley, WA. There will be a committal service following at Pines Cemetery with Military Honors.