Juan Francisco Garcia

Juan Francisco Garcia, 87, a beloved figure in the community, peacefully passed away at his home in Donna, Texas, on Saturday, February 17th, 2024. Born in Weslaco, Texas, on March 29, 1936, Juan led a remarkable life filled with hard work, dedication, and unwavering faith.

Throughout his career, Juan's resilience and strong work ethic shone brightly. He and his family worked as a migrant across the country. He would often recruit workers to join him in various endeavors. One of his favorite work locations was Idalia, Colorado. When they had a day off, Juan would take his family to Bonny Dam for a day on the water, which included swimming, skiing, fishing, and an occasional boat ride.

One of the highlights of Juan's professional journey was his time as a driver for Ed Payne Motors. His role involved transporting cars from the North down to the Rio Grande Valley, which was a big responsibility and a task that demanded precision and care. Juan loved the challenge and the added adventure of those road trips.

Eventually, Juan began a career at the Weslaco School District, where he served as the supervisor for bus mechanics for over three decades. His commitment to excellence and continual learning set him apart; he retired at seventy-one, having dedicated himself wholeheartedly to WISD.

Juan's Catholic faith has been integral to his life since his early days at St. Joan of Arc, where he attended elementary school. This faith remained unwavering throughout his lifetime, evident in his actions and interactions with others. Known for treating everyone with respect and kindness, Juan's gentle demeanor and devout spirit left a lasting impact on those around him.

Outside of work and family responsibilities, Juan found joy in simple pleasures. He relished time spent at South Padre Island and delighted in taking his children to movies. His favorite theatre was the Benavides Drive-In. A dedicated Dallas Cowboys fan, he cheered them on, win or lose. Perhaps his most treasured hobby was his love for dancing - especially with his daughters; it was a pastime that brought him immense joy.

Juan is preceded in death by his parents, Juan and Maria (Rodriguez) Garcia; sisters, Guadalupe G. Perez, Francisca G. Reyes, Antonia G. Mata, Ignacia G. Cano, and Maria G. Gonzalez; brother, Antonio Garcia; grandchildren, Bella Marie Garcia ad Cheyenne Ilana Muñoz. 

He is survived by his wife, Juana Eva Garcia; their son, Marcos Garcia, Juan's children from his first marriage, Dalia Garcia, Maria Sulema G. Muñoz (Crisanto), Lucila Garcia (Ramiro), Estella G. Treviño, Juan Antonio Garcia (Diana), Armando Garcia (Elizabeth), Nora G. Zamora (Joe), special-step-daughter, Kayron Young, sisters, Constancia G. Oliva and Pauline G. Cisneros, twenty-two grandchildren, forty-one great-grandchildren, three great-great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be on Tuesday, February 20th, from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM, with a Holy Rosary at 7:00 PM. Mass will be celebrated at St. Pius X Catholic Church on Wednesday, February 21st, at 10:00 AM, followed by burial at Weslaco City Cemetery at 11:00 AM.