Leonel Garcia

1939 - 2025

Leonel Garcia
01/27/1939 - 11/11/2025
Leonel Garcia Sr., a loving patriarch, proud veteran, cherished educator, and all-around honorable man, passed away peacefully on November 11, 2025 (Veteran's Day), at the age of 86. His passing on a day dedicated to service is a fitting tribute to a life defined by dedication-to his country, his community, and above all, his beloved family.
Born on January 27, 1939, at the historic La Soledad Ranch in Zapata County, Texas, Leonel held the fondest memories of growing up there with his siblings and the ranching community. Raised by his mother, Josefina B. Garcia, after his father, Silvestre Garcia, passed away early in his childhood, he carried the warmth and strength of the rancho with him. He moved to Laredo during his high school years, graduating from Martin High School. After high school, he proudly served his country in the U.S. Army with the distinguished 1st Infantry Division ("Big Red One"), deploying overseas during the Berlin Wall conflict.
After returning from his service, he met the absolute love of his life, Maria "Mary" de los Angeles. They were married on April 16, 1966, beginning a beautiful partnership that spanned 55 years until Mary's passing in 2021. Leonel dedicated over 30 years to a career at Sears. He earned his BBA from Laredo State University in 1979. He later retired from Sears and began a second chapter as an accounting teacher at J.W. Nixon High School in 1995. For over a decade, "Mr. Garcia" was a respected educator, remembered by his many students for his kindness, wisdom, and genuine care.
His life was marked by decades of hard work, all devoted to his wife and children so that they could have the best opportunities, especially through education. His dedication extended into his community as a proud Board member of the Rio Grande Little League, where he served as the Treasurer for decades.
Yet, those who knew him best will remember him as an amazing storyteller and jokester who enjoyed bringing laughter and smiles to friends and family. Laughter shared with others was one of his greatest joys. He possessed the sharpest mind and an incredible memory well into his mid-eighties, recalling every single detail in his famous stories.
His home was always welcoming and filled with delicious food, from his legendary carne asadas to the simple morning joy of the breakfast tacos he prepared for his children. He enjoyed music, maintaining a proud collection of classic records. He often sang with gusto, whether it was behind the wheel, or along to YouTube videos at home.
He was a devoted husband and a dedicated father to five children, and a wonderful grandfather. He proudly introduced his thirteen grandchildren to everyone, always getting a chuckle when he'd follow up by adding that they were all "muy inteligentes, como su grandpa".
The family ranch in Lopeño, TX held a special place in his heart, where he enjoyed hunting and simply appreciating nature. He and Mary shared many adventures together, loving travel to destinations like Las Vegas, Elko, and Laughlin. When home in Laredo, they regularly spent time together playing bingo.
Leonel is now reunited and at peace with his beautiful wife, Maria De Los Angeles "Mary" Garcia, in Heaven. His beautiful legacy of laughter, boundless love, and selflessness is carried on by his five children, his thirteen cherished grandchildren, and all the countless lives he touched.
May his memory continue to bring a smile to all who loved him.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Silvestre Garcia and Josefina B. Garcia; his wife, Maria De Los Angeles "Mary" Garcia; and his siblings, Silvestre Garcia, Carolina G. Guevara, Armando Garcia, Salvador Garcia, Oscar Garcia, Acela Benavides and Estela Saenz.
Left to cherish his memory are his children Leonel (Cecilia) Garcia Jr., Griselda (Guy) Ellison, Gabriel "Andy" (Diana) Garcia, Patsy (James) Castro and Daniel (Cristina) Garcia; his grandchildren, Leo (Zelina) Garcia III, Jorge Garcia, Aimee Garcia, Lauren Ellison, Jenna Ellison, Truman Ellison IV, Abby Garcia, Andie Garcia, Isabella Castro, Camila Castro, Calista Castro, Noah Garcia and Eva Garcia; his sister, Maria D. Garcia; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
The family will be receiving condolences on Friday evening, November 21, 2025 from 5 to 9 p.m. at Joe Jackson North Funeral Chapels & Cremation Services, 1410 Jacaman Rd.; where a Vigil for the Deceased and Rosary will commence at 7 p.m.
Funeral Services will be conducted on Saturday morning, November 22, 2025 where a Chapel Service will commence at 10 a.m. at Joe Jackson North Funeral Chapels.
Rite of Committal and Interment will follow at the family plot of the Laredo City Cemetery Veterans' Section.
Military Honors will be provided by the U.S. Army and the Laredo Veterans Honor Guard.
Pallbearers will be: Leonel Garcia Jr., Gabriel "Andy" Garcia, Leo Garcia III, Jorge Garcia, Guy Ellison III, James Castro, Truman Ellison IV and Noah Garcia.
You may express your condolences, share your favorite memories, and sign the guestbook online at: www.joejacksonfuneralchapels.com.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the care and direction of the funeral service professionals at Joe Jackson North Funeral Chapels & Cremation Services, 1410 Jacaman Rd., Laredo, Texas 78041; (956)722-8850.