Mike Garcia

Mike Garcia

June 4, 1949 - December 31, 2022

Mike Garcia, age 73, went to be with the Lord on the morning of December 31, 2022. Mike Andrew Garcia was born on June 4, 1949 in Holtville, California.

The oldest son of a large family, Mike was always determined to achieve the things he set his mind to. At the early age of eight he began to sweep the sidewalk of local stores to earn extra money for the clothing and gifts he wanted to provide to himself and his family. Later in his youth, he went to work with his dad, a tractor foreman; this is where his love for farming began. As he grew older, Mike found he had athletic prowess in both high school football and wrestling. Achieving accolades in both sports, one most notably being that he received the Football Southern Section CIF Award in 1967.

After school, Mike took his interest in agriculture and began his fifty plus year farming career, starting as a foreman for Vessey and Co. With his strong work ethic and passion for his crops he soon became the Ranch Manager at Vessey and Co. This is where he met his wife Betty Chimits and they later expanded his family. Mike later moved the family to Lemoore, California to advance his farming career with Bruce Church. In 2001, Mike was able to achieve his ultimate dream and became the owner of his own ranch Garcia and Church LLC. In his later years, he was fortunate enough to retire and start his new adventurewatching his family and grandkids grow.

For all those that knew Mike, we know that we do not mourn him today, but we celebrate the life and legacy he has left behind and we know he has reached far greater things now than this world holds. He was a devout follower of Jesus, always reminding those around him, that God was good all the time. Watching him humbly serve the Lord with his hands and heart inspired many. He was strong and charismatic with a vibrant taste for food and life, making friends wherever he went.

Mike Garcia was a loving husband, brother, and son; a caring, reliable father, wonderful friend and a strong presence in his farming, church and overall community.

He is preceded in death by his father Armando Garcia and nephew Garrett Garcia.

Mike is survived and deeply missed by his loving wife Betty (Chimits) Garcia of 41 years and his children Lisa De Masters, Jennifer Proctor, Audra Coelho and Katlyn Garcia.

Forever cherished and remembered by his mother Ruby (Macliz) Garcia, sister Beatrice Sparlin and husband Victor, sister Sylvia McClain and husband Bob, sister Becky Garcia, sister Marlene Borchard and husband James, brother Ernie Garcia, and sister Regina Rodrigues and husband John.

His memory lives on through his 8 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild and his numerous nieces and nephews.

A visitation will be held Wednesday, January 11 from 5-7pm at Phipps-Dale Funeral Chapel. A celebration of life will be Thursday, January 12, at 10am at the Lemoore Nazarene Church.