Robert C. Garcia

Robert C. Garcia, 85, passed away peacefully on September 8, 2020, at VBMC Brownsville, after a short illness. Robert was born on May 30, 1935, to Cora and Felix Garcia. He was preceded in death by his mother, Cora, father, Felix, and brother, Henry Garcia.

Robert is survived by his wife, Hortencia T. Garcia, daughter, Cynthia (Miguel A.) Gutierrez, of Abu Dhabi, U.A.E., son, Robert Eric Garcia of Brownsville, and his grandsons, who were his pride and joy, Miguel Gutierrez Jr. of Brownsville, and Max Gutierrez of San Antonio. Also surviving him is his brother, Alfred (Mary Louise) Garcia, of Corpus Christi, Texas, and sisters Lily Boehm, of Littleton, Colorado, and Mary (Domingo) Briseño, of Eagle Pass, Texas. Survived by his brother in laws, Jose R. Trevino of Brownsville, Carlos(Julie)Trevino of Holly, Michigan, and sister in law, Rosie Ramos of Brownsville and numerous nephews and nieces.

Robert was born in Brackettville, Texas, and after graduating from Eagle Pass High School, he joined the United States Army and was stationed in Germany and Iceland. After his honorable discharge, he moved to Brownsville, Texas, where he met the love of his life, his dancing partner, and wife of 56 years, Hortencia, who he affectionally called “Honita.” He attended Texas Southmost College, where he received a degree in metal trades, then worked at Brown & Root at Union Carbide for the next twenty-five years. He also taught welding at Porter High School and Del Rio High School. Before his retirement, he worked at Rio Grande Marine Institute in Bayview, Texas. Once he retired, Robert spent many years as a substitute teacher for the Brownsville Independent School District.

Robert had a passion for helping others, and always served God and country. He was an active member of the American Legion Honor Guard, Post 43, and held the position of Sir Noble in the Order of the Alhambra-Caravan 91, Brownsville, Texas. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus No. 1553, and held the position of Sir Knight of the 4th Degree.

Robert will be deeply missed by all of his family, friends, and those who knew him. His infectious smile and gregarious spirit drew people to him.

Visitation will be held Thursday, September 17, 2020, from 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Funeraria del Angel Buena Vista, 125 McDavitt Blvd., Brownsville, Texas, with the recitation of the Holy Rosary at 7:00 p.m. A celebration of Robert’s life will be held on Friday, September 18, 2020, at 11:00 a.m., at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 1914 Barnard Road, Brownsville, Texas, followed by internment at Buena Vista Burial Park, 5 McDavitt Blvd., with full military honors, at 12:00 noon.

Serving as Pallbearers are Miguel Gutierrez Jr., Max Gutierrez, Derek Libby, Dylan Libby, Gary Treviño, and Jaime Treviño. Honorary Pallbearers are Miguel A. Gutierrez, Monique Nieto, Daryl Libby, Jose R. Treviño, Carlos Treviño, Domingo Briseño, and Brian Boehm.

Arrangements are under the direction of Funeraria del Angel Buena Vista, Brownsville, Texas. All guests must wear a mask and practice physical distancing. Due to capacity restrictions, guests may be required to wait before entering the visitation room. The same restrictions shall apply at church.