Manuel Francisco Garcia

Manuel Francisco Garcia passed away on March 31, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Manuel C. Garcia and Consuelo Garcia, and his younger brother, Rogelio “Rocky” Garcia. He is survived by his brother Luis Garcia (Annie) of Corpus Christi, Texas; his devoted wife of 54 years, Lupita (Cavazos); his children, RJ Garcia (Elizabeth) of West Point, NY, Laura Reneau (Ryan) of Arlington, TX, and Elisa Harvey (Nathan) of Ladera Ranch, CA; and his six cherished grandchildren, Grant, Ella, Isabella, Everett, Ian, and Landon. He also leaves behind numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

Born on September 6, 1942, in Corpus Christi, Texas, “Papa Manny,” as he was affectionately known to his friends and family, could trace his roots to the original Spanish land grant holders of Texas. He was raised in Kingsville, Texas, where he developed a deep love for music and mastered the trumpet. Growing up in a humble home, he shared an unbreakable bond with his brothers, who were his lifelong best friends.

After graduating from H.M. King High School in 1961 he answered the call to serve his country, enlisting in the United States Air Force as an Aircraft Radio Repairman. His service in the Air Force shaped him profoundly. He flew aboard B-58 Hustler and C-4 Caribou aircraft, volunteered for every mission possible, and travelled the world while developing an enduring passion for service. His military career included a tour in Vietnam, where his dedication to duty never wavered. A proud veteran, Manuel cherished his time in uniform and carried a love of country throughout his life.

Following his military service, Manuel pursued higher education, earning a Bachelor of Arts from Texas A&I University in 1971. It was during his time at Texas A&I that he met the love of his life, Lupita Cavazos. They built a beautiful life together, filled with love, faith, and unwavering support for one another.

Encouraged by a professor to take the Government Aptitude Test, he aced it, and Manuel was recruited into federal service. He worked in the Office of Personnel Management, the Department of the Army, and the Federal Aviation Administration. While serving in the Department of the Army, he received a direct commission to Captain in the United States Army Reserve, ultimately retiring as a Major in 1996. In total he dedicated over thirty years of his life to federal service, including 20 years in the military.

After retiring from federal service, he pursued his dream of becoming a teacher. A lifelong learner, he earned a Master of Arts in Political Science from the University of Texas at Arlington in 2007 at the age of 65 years young. He taught U.S. Government and Politics at Irving High School and at local community colleges for 10 years. While he always valued the lessons of government and politics, he felt the true lessons he taught were being an example of lifelong learning for his students and holding them to the highest standards.

A devout Catholic, Manuel started every Sunday by texting his family and wishing them a heartfelt “Happy Sunday!” He was an active member of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Grapevine, Texas, where he served as an usher and a dedicated member of the Knights of Columbus. He was very proud that he served his community in multiple ways, and he gained incredible joy and meaning later in life by serving as a member of the Southlake Citizens on Patrol.

Above all, Manuel loved his family. He was their biggest fan, and they were his greatest source of pride. Personally humble, he never hesitated to brag about the accomplishments of his wife, children, sons-in-law, daughter-in-law, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. He lived his life with integrity, service, and an unwavering love of country. Though his presence will be deeply missed, his family takes comfort in knowing he is in Heaven, beaming with pride, smiling, and watching over them.