One thing that would describe Tomas would be “Repelón” as Gloria always called him but
another thing Tomas was known for was su orgullo de su familia grande. Tomas loved to
barbecue, he loved celebrations, he was so proud of his days as a farm worker, his many
interactions with Cesar Chavez and the many United Farm Workers Association rallies he
attended. Tomas was also proud of being a Tejano, he loved Norteña music, he loved wearing
his cowboy hat and cowboy boots and no matter the event or celebration Tomas always
dressed to impress. Tomas took pride in being Mexican-American. Tomas paved a way for his
children, grandchildren and great grandchildren to live the best quality of life but he also never
let us forget our roots. Tomas loved telling stories del Soliseno, his horses y sus tractores. His
faith was a huge part of his life, he never walked out the door unless he prayed. Any time any
of his children or grandchildren or anyone would leave or before hanging up the phone he
would always tell us “que dios te bendiga”. Tomas was a very serious and respectful man but
he was also a big jokester. He loved to joke around especially with his grandsons and use
funny little code words (inside jokes). Tomas took pride and enjoyed gardening very much. He
loved growing fruits and vegetables and he loved planting beautiful plants and flowers with his
wife Gloria, they both loved to spend hours in the garden together. Tomas was also known as
someone who “showed up”. Whether it was an awards ceremony, a graduation, baseball
games, beauty pageants, or any event anyone invited him to he made sure he was the first one
there. Tomas loved to cook tripas (pig intestines), or chicharrón (pig skin). Another fond
memory his children have of Tomas is when he bought a produce truck and wanted to name it
“Garcia and sons”. Tomas was born on July 4, 1929 in Tamaulipas, Mexico to Tomas Garcia
Longoria and Inez Guzman Trevino. He then met and wed María Gloria Guardiola Garcia in
June 1950 and they had a total of 9 children together, Ofilia, baby Odilia, Juan Marcos, Oralia,
San Juanita Guadalupe, Norma, Gloria , Odilia, Inez. Tomas and Gloria later moved to
Mercedes, Texas from Tamaulipas then to Muleshoe, Tx., Saticoy, Ca., Santa Paula, Ca.
(Limonera Ranch), Tipton, Ca., Pixley, Ca., and finally came to live in Oxnard, Ca. where Tomas
and Gloria spent the last 42 years until he went peacefully with the Lord with his daughter Janie
and granddaughter Aylah by his side.
