Roy J. Garcia Sr.

Roy John Garcia Sr., loving father, grandfather, World War II Veteran, and lifelong devoted member of the Catholic Church passed away on Monday, June 19, 2023, at the age of 99. A funeral mass will be held 10 a.m. Saturday, June 24, 2023 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in West Des Moines with burial at Resthaven Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, at Sacred Heart.

Born on January 27, 1924, in West Des Moines, Iowa, Roy was the son of Guadalupe and Lorenzo Garcia of Leon, Guanajuato, Mexico. He grew up in the close-knit Valley Junction community alongside his four siblings: Augustin, Margarita, Petra and Elpedia.

Rather than attending his graduation from Valley High School, Roy made a selfless decision to enlist in the Army on June 24th, 1943. He entered service at Camp Dodge, Iowa, and became a member of the 6th U.S. Army, XIV Corps, 756th Field Artillery Battalion. During World War II, Roy served as a Technical Sergeant as a Cannon Crew member. He was stationed overseas in the Philippines from August 22nd, 1944, to January 26th, 1946. He proudly wore the 'Ruptured Duck' Lapel Button for Honorable Service. He fought in the retaking of Luzon Field for which he was awarded the Philippine Presidential Unit Citation Ribbon and Philippine Liberation Medal.

After returning from war, Roy met the love of his life, Lucille Rivera. They exchanged marriage vows on June 15th, 1947. Together, they built a beautiful life and raised six children: Christopher (Myrna), Greg (Ann), Larry (Jean), Roy Jr. (Cheri), Theresa (Jim), and Jeffrey (Krista). Roy adored his daughter in laws, Jeanette Garcia and Cathy Wilson. Roy and Lucille shared a strong and loving bond for 30 years, nurturing their family in the Valley Junction community.

After Lucille's passing, Roy found love again and was remarried to Lupe Diaz. Their union brought joy and companionship into Roy's life during his later years. Together, they embraced traveling to California and Mexico to visit family and friends and created lasting memories.

Roy's family was the center of his world, and he cherished his role as a father and especially as grandfather to 26 grandchildren, 50 great grandchildren and three great great grandchildren. He leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories and his family will forever hold his spirit dear in their hearts. He was preceded in death by Lucille Garcia, Lupe Garcia, Lawrence Garcia, and Andrew Garcia.

Roy treasured his many friends and fellow veterans. He spent endless hours with them in monthly meetings, volunteering, placing flags, organizing Thanksgiving baskets and especially their afternoons playing pool in these last few years.

Roy was a decades long member of West Des Moines Human Services Board, was on the Board of the West Des Moines Public Library Friends Foundation, was Quartermaster of Knights of Columbus, was Quartermaster/Commander for the VFW for forty years until he was 96. Roy worked for Solar Manufacturing, owned a Gas Station, worked for Armstrong Pirelli and in his retirement worked for True Value Hardware. Roy was an avid sportsman. In his youth he played baseball and later was a Little League coach for many years. His athletic pursuits continued in many different avenues throughout his life. He played semi-professional football for the West Des Moines Warriors, fast pitch softball and bowled for years in the Valley Junction Mexican bowling league. Golf held a special place in Roy’s heart and he continued to play until his recent years. He also enjoyed coordinating the VFW annual golf outing that was played in his honor on June 12th. Alongside his active involvement, Roy supported all the Iowa Hawkeye teams and was a devoted Cubs fan.

Roy will be remembered as a brave soldier, a devoted family man, and a pillar of strength in his community. His selflessness, courage, and unwavering love will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing him. May his soul find eternal peace, and may his memory be a blessing to us all.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Muscular Dystrophy Association of Iowa or the American Cancer Society-Iowa.