Clemente M. Garcia was born in Los Angeles, California, on November 23, 1924, to Jesus and Eva Garcia. At the age of five, he was brought to Phoenix, Arizona, where he attended Washington School. During the difficult years of the Great Depression, his family moved to the mining town of Superior, Arizona, where Clemente attended Harding School and Superior High School.
In 1943, Clemente answered the call to serve his country and was drafted into the United States Navy. He proudly served as an AMM 1/c Air Crewman, flying in PBYs and B-24s with Fleet Air Wing 14 out of North Island. For his service, he received the Air Crewman Wings, National Defense Medal, and Victory Medal. He was honorably discharged in 1946.
After returning home, Clemente worked at the Magma Copper Mine in Superior before once again answering the call to serve his country. In 1950, he enlisted in the United States Army and served with the 412th Engineers. Following his honorable discharge, he began the next chapter of his life by enrolling in Arizona Barber College. He graduated as a licensed barber and went on to devote 65 years to the trade he loved, becoming a familiar and respected presence in his community through "Clem’s Barber Shop".
For Clemente, barbering was more than a profession. It was a lifetime of meeting people, listening to their stories, sharing conversation, and forming friendships. His chair became a place where generations of people could feel welcome and at home.
Clemente was also a man who found happiness in the simple things. He loved fishing, the outdoors, and being surrounded by friends and family.
He was a proud lifetime member of American Legion Post 41, carrying with him the honor a lifetime of service to his country.
In 1943, Clemente married the love of his life, Eva Garcia. Together they shared 67 years of marriage, building a family and a life filled with love, perseverance, and countless memories. Eva preceded him in death in 2010.
Clemente was also preceded in death by his beloved son, Clemente V. Garcia Jr.
