Rolando Casanova Garcia

Rolando Casanova Garcia, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and friend, passed away at age 90 on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, in San Antonio, TX surrounded by family at home. He was born on January 22, 1936, in Ecleto, TX, to parents Trinidad (Casanova) and Nicolas Garcia.

Rolando entered the military at the young age of 18 and proudly served 44 years in the US Army until he fully retired in 1996 as Master Sergeant. He took a leap of faith when he left the small neighborhood of St. Francis Street where he lived most of his young life to embark upon an adventure in the military to see other parts of the world. He never regretted that decision and has always been proud of his military service which reflected the qualities that defined him throughout his life of discipline, courage, responsibility, and enduring commitment to those he loved. It was during his early tour in Germany that he met the love of his life and wife of 47 years, Dagmar Eva Elsa. Together, they built a marriage with love, respect, and devotion which was a strong foundation for our family of eight children. We learned virtues of honor, integrity, love, perseverance, and unwavering devotion to family by his example. One of the greatest examples he gave us was the special & deep love he shared with our mother. Their relationship was a rare and beautiful example of true commitment, and those of us who witnessed it were truly blessed.

Rolando took great pride in the accomplishments he achieved through hard work, determination, and perseverance. Even though he left school after nineth grade to help support his family financially, he went on to build an exceptional military career. He steadily advanced through the ranks and was awarded several Special Achievement Awards for his strong work ethics, leadership, and outstanding performance which exceeded normal requirements. In 1997, he was honored with the Meritorious Service Medal for Outstanding Meritorious Service in recognition of his outstanding and exceptional service. He later attended San Antonio College where he studied to obtain an associate degree in psychology.

Throughout his life, Rolando embraced a wide variety of careers beyond his military service, which included EO Specialist of HUD in Little Rock, Arkansas, Chemical Warfare Training Coordinator in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, Real Estate Agent, and Cruise Consultant. He was very tenacious about taking on new challenges and ways to be productive even in his older adult years. He showed great determination when writing his memoirs book about his life experiences to pass on to the next family generations. Even though it was a long and time-consuming process, he never relented in finishing it. Because of that book, future generations will know his voice, understand where our family came from, and appreciate the journey that shaped him and us.

Rolando, also called “Senior Dad” by many, was best known for his quick wit and humor with a generous spirit. He was very social with others, which usually included humor. He made those around him smile, laugh, and feel comfortable. He enjoyed coin collecting, playing lottery scratch offs, watching Elvis Presley, John Wayne, Dean Martin, football, College GameDay & westerns. His favorite sports teams were the Texas Longhorns and San Antonio Spurs. He listened to a variety of music such as Neil Diamond, Johnny Cash, Chris Montez, and Sarah Brightman. He liked looking at old cars and of course, he loved chocolate & sweets. But, most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his family. His legacy isn’t measured only by the life he lived, but the lives he shaped in those around him. His legacy lives on in the lives of his children and grandchildren through the lessons he taught, the laughter he shared, the strength he demonstrated, and the love he gave so freely.

He was preceded in death by his parents; beloved wife, Dagmar Eva Elsa Garcia; daughter, Ilona Gordon; son, Roger Garcia; brother, Frank Garcia; and sister, Olivia Adame. Rolando is survived by his children, Diana Hinojosa, Linda Brogdon, Christina Ramsey, Sylvia Heien, Olivia Roberson, Rolando Garcia, Jr.; brother Rudy Gacia; brother Carlos Garcia; sister Irma Cardenas; sister Diana Carrisalas, 17 grandchildren; and 34 great grandchildren.

Family visitation will begin at 11:00 am, Monday, October 5, 2026, at Concordia Lutheran Church, 16801 Huebner Rd., with a service to follow at 12:00 pm with Pastor Jeff Tucker officiating. Concordia Lutheran Church will provide live streaming of the service to those unable to attend by going to “Concordia.cc” and click “Watch Online”. Streaming will begin about 15 minutes before the service starts.

Interment with military honors will follow in Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, 1520 Harry Wurzbach Rd., at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor Corey Christians officiating.

Pallbearers will be Nicolas Garcia, Dominic Heien, Andrew Roberson, Markham Roberson, Nicolas Treadwell, Carlos Garcia, Rolando Garcia Jr, Jeff Ramsey. (Honorary Pallbearers) will be Richard Heien, Mark Roberson, Rudy Garcia, Gavin Garcia, Roger Garcia, and Ernest Hinojosa.

Special thanks to Pure Heart Hospice nurse Liz and his caregiver Kenneth Navarro who showed such caring, patience, & respect to Rolando.