Richard M. Garcia, Sr. passed away to a better life on September 9, 2019 at the age of 90. Richard was a World War II Marine Corp Veteran, retired Army Reservist, and retired Civil Service Servant who retired in Corpus Christi in 1985. Richard lived a wonderful, active life and was a very giving person. He will be remembered by some for his impeccable penmanship and thoughtfulness of not forgetting to send a card for someone’s special occasion or celebration.
Richard came from a long line of well-known musicians, including his father, Manuel, and uncles, Albeto (Beto was one of the Corpus Christi Texas Jazz Festival founders) and Rudy. As an accomplished trumpet player throughout much of his life, Richard was a part of a rich community of music. While in the Marine Corp Band, Richard performed in many USO shows alongside celebrity performers and at the White House. During his many years of performing, he played 2nd and 3rd chair in the Corpus Christi Symphony. He also played at the Yacht Club, Petroleum Club, Town Club, the Summer T-Head Concerts, Corpus Christi Country Club, Cole Park Amphitheater, the Annual Texas Jazz Festivals, and San Antonio Convention Center. Our home was always filled with sounds of music.
He is preceded by his wife of 56 years, Rita M. Garcia. He is survived by his children, Richard M. Garcia, Jr., Cecilia “Cookie” Tijerina (Daniel), Mary Katherine “Katy” Fiel (Alexander), Melissa M. Garcia-Edwards; grandchildren, Nicholas Tijerina, Kristina Tijerina, Elijah Edwards, and Olivia Edwards. Visitation will be held at Sunset Funeral Home on Sunday, September 22, 2019 from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm with a rosary to be recited at 7:00 pm. Funeral services will be at St. Francis of Assisi on Monday, September 23, 2019 at 9:30 a.m., with interment to follow at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery at 11:30 am. Followed by lunch with the family and friends. He will be missed by all.
