Manuel Garcia Jr.

Longtime resident of Hanford Manuel Garcia Jr., 85, passed away Thursday, Sept. 18, 2008 at his home in Hanford.

Manuel was born on March 8, 1923 in Hanford. He met the love of his life Bernita at a dance and said he was going to marry her, he did. They were married for 60+ years. This union gave them four beautiful children. He was very active in the community and always believed in education and hard work. Manuel spent a lot of time with his animals, family and friends. We will treasure these wonderful memories. Manuel enjoyed watching western movies, training films, working out back fixing anything that was broke, doing restoration on tractors and his 65 Mustang.

He worked as shop superintendent for the City of Hanford and retired in 1984. His greatest love of life was his wife, Bernita, and his family, and many friends. He also enjoyed being with his animals by giving performances at many local schools, convalescent home and other events with his mule, dog, Texas Longhorn and buffalo. He enjoyed going to parades, competition with his mules and won many events. Manuel was a lifetime member of the American Mule Association, American Baskir Curly Register, and the Kings County Historical Society. He served in WWII Marine and a charter member of the Kings County Detachment 455 Marine Corp League. Manuel was Kings County Homecoming Grand Marshal, 1995. He rode in the Pasadena Tournament of Rose Parade 13 years. Manuel went to night school and graduated from Hanford High School in 1968 and continued his education at the College of the Sequoias, Visalia and received his AA degree in 1975.

Manuel is survived by his loving wife, Bernita of Hanford; his sons, David Garcia (Catherine) of Hanford, Jerry Garcia (Wilma) of South Gate and his daughter, Juanita Grieger (Ron) of Ridgecrest; his sister, Mary Bray of Hanford; his grandchildren, Sheila Gerard, Eric Grieger, Carrie Garcia, Tiffany Lindey, Nicki Nois, Cassie Nielsen, Andi Vasconcellos and 15 great-grandchildren; three Godchildren, as well as a host of extended nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his son, Edward Allen Garcia, his father, Manuel Garcia and mother, Ruth Hill.

A viewing will be from 5 to 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 23 with the Recitation of the Rosary at 6:30 p.m., at St. Brigid Catholic Church in Hanford. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m., Wednesday, Sept. 24 at St. Brigid Church. Burial will follow at the Calvary Cemetery in Hanford.

Remembrances may be sent to the Kings County Detachment No. 455, Marine Corp. League, P.O. Box 502, Armona, CA 93202 or the Valley Christian Home, Activity Dept., 511 E. Malone, Hanford, CA 93230.

Arrangements are under the direction of Whitehurst-McNamara Funeral Services Chapel in Hanford.