With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Herman Joseph Garcia Jr., lovingly known as Joe, Joe-Joe, or "The Dude," and to his karaoke friends, "Mr. X." Joe left us on February 14, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family.
Born and raised in Kansas City, Missouri, to Herman and Ophelia Garcia, Joe was a man of deep passions—especially for music, family, and football. A lifelong music lover and collector, he was often found DJing family gatherings, singing along to his favorite albums, or bringing joy to friends through karaoke.
Joe had an adventurous spirit and cherished his travels, especially in his later years with his beloved wife, Annabeth. Among their most treasured trips were those to Cabo and Hawaii, where they created unforgettable memories together.
Above all, Joe’s greatest love was his family. Following the example set by his parents, he lived with an open heart and open home, welcoming many into his life as if they were his own. Whether through adoption of the heart or by birth, Joe’s legacy is one of immense love, acceptance, and warmth. His home was filled with hundreds of VHS tapes, DVDs, and video games, bringing family together for weekend movie and gaming marathons in front of his big screen TV. And when the screen wasn’t playing a film or a game, you could bet it was tuned into a football game.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Ophelia and Herman J. Garcia Sr. and his sister, Linda Garcia.
Joe is survived by his devoted wife, Annabeth, his children Teresa, Josephine, Dustin, Bryan, Jasamine, and Selena Reynolds, his 16 cherished grandchildren, and his three great-grandbabies. Beyond his immediate family, he leaves behind his brothers, Tom Garcia (Patty), Raymond Garcia (Mary), Robert Garcia (Rachel), Mark Garcia (Michelle), Aquarius Garcia (Rebecca), Jeff Santa Cruz (Isabel), Jesse Garcia, and Ronald Garcia and; sisters, Carol Palacio (Manuel), Micaela Tinoco, Valentina Garcia and Frances Florido; nieces and nephews and an immeasurable number of sons, daughters, and grandchildren by love, all of whom will carry forward the kindness, joy, and wisdom he shared.
Joe’s love, laughter, and music-filled spirit will forever remain in our hearts.
A Funeral Mass will be held at 9:30 AM on Saturday, March 1st, 2025 at Holy Name of Jesus in Kansas City, Kansas; with Rosary at 9:10 am prior to the Mass. Burial in Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Kansas City, Kansas. Funeral Luncheon to follow the burial at Holy Name of Jesus.
The family kindly requests financial contributions to support the services provided by the church. For those wishing to assist during this difficult time, please contact Josephine Schrader at 913-963-5699 for more information.
