Raul Garcia

Raul Garcia was born in Laredo, Texas to Peter and Hortensia Garcia on May 25, 1934. He attended schools in Laredo and, upon graduation from high school in 1952, won first place in a statewide competition for a four-year scholarship to Texas A&M University in College Station. He married Leonor Martinez of Laredo, Texas in 1956 and had two children, Raul Roberto (Bob) and Laura. After a two-year stint in the US Air Force, he graduated from Texas A&M with a BA in 1960 and an MS in 1969. After divorce, Raul married again in 1970 to Maurice Culpepper, who preceded him in death.

Raul was a dedicated civil servant, working 32 years at Brooks AF Base, where he received numerous awards for technical achievement and outstanding accomplishments in support of command missions. He developed many projects and was instrumental in founding "Los

Amigos," which recognized and promoted Hispanic contributions.

Beginning in the 1970s, Raul became active in Masonic organizations and served as Worshipful Master of Highland Hills Lodge and Nat Washer Lodge and later became Deputy Grand Master. He was also very active in the Order of the Eastern Star and in 1996 was appointed Deputy to the

Most Worthy Grand Patron in Mexico, where he instituted Chapters in Mexico City and Ajijic. He would also later serve as Worthy Patron for Harlandale Chapter No. 750 and Amistad Chapter No. 1115 and five years on the Board of Directors of Texas Grand Chapter.

Raul married Zulema Sylvia Treviño Cucino in 1996. The couple were inseparable throughout their marriage, enjoying many shared activities and pursuits. They especially loved to travel and made many happy memories during their adventures around the world. They particularly

enjoyed cruises and for Sylvia’s 85th birthday shared an unforgettable cruise experience with their adult children and grandchildren. Raul and Sylvia took special delight in one another and in their families on both sides. They were always there for one another, and Sylvia was always

by Raul’s side to offer strength and encouragement as his health declined. They were blessed to share 25 happy years of marriage, making them truly golden years.

When Raul’s health permitted it, he and Sylvia regularly attended Holy Name Catholic Church and dearly loved and enjoyed the company of Fr. Martin and Father Roy.

Raul was preceded in death by his parents Peter and Hortensia Garcia, his brothers, Oscar (Muriel) and Charles Lescrenier (Peggy), and his sister, Maria Elisa Mascorro (Susano).

He is survived by his devoted wife, Sylvia, his children Bob (Pam) and Laura Ruiz (Gabe), stepchildren Joe Cucino (Joni), Lorraine Cucino Knipstein, and Wayne Culpepper, and many other loving relatives, including grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and lifelong friends.

The family wishes to express sincere gratitude to the nursing and medical staff at Texas Vista Medical Center and to the administrators, nurses and residents of Hunters Pond Rehab.

Although a stroke had left Raul without the ability to speak, his strong presence was felt and appreciated in these communities, where he was embraced with such graceful care.

Funeral Services:

Wednesday, June 30, 2021

Sunset Memorial, 1701 Austin Hwy, San Antonio, TX 78218

Visitation 6:00 P.M.

Masonic Ceremony 7:00 P.M.

Rosary 7:30 P.M.

Thursday, July 1, 2021

Holy Name Catholic Church, 3814 Nash Blvd., San Antonio, TX 78223

Funeral Mass 12:00 P.M.

Burial at Sunset Memorial, 1701 Austin Hwy, San Antonio, TX 78218

Reception following burial, Nat Washer Lodge, 212 City, San Antonio, TX 78204

Pallbearers:

Raul Roberto (Bob)

Garcia Joe Cucino

Gabe Ruiz

John Rowland

Andy Pool

Richard Hancock

Honorary Pallbearers:

Nelson Cambell

Gary del Valle

Fred Arredondo

Jerry Bennet

Andy Perez

David Clerico