A beautiful human being!!

I’ve known him since the second grade,
Mrs Sanders, our teacher, 1970...

I once forgot my jacket during the winter, 
He let me wear his letterman jacket all day.    I felt special and warm.

After our son David passed away in November, Oscar called and we had a really good talk.  He shared so many wonderful memories of football days at Harlingen High School.  I even quoted him when I gave David's eulogy.  Oscar also mentioned how proud he was of his daughter and how much he loved her. When we arrived at David's service, a beautiful arrangement from Oscar was there.  We are so, so saddened to learn of his passing.  He was quite a remarkable young man and he will be truly missed by all who knew him.

That smile . Your smile could melt the coldest of hearts and brought such joy to everyone who knew you . I could never thank you enough for all the lessons you taught me , fishing and moving past your fear being one of many .
My heart breaks knowing you are no longer on this Earth . My sincerest condolences and Love to the Garcia Family . The world should  stop for just a moment to remember this gentle soul .
Love ,
Kim

From our family to yours: 
Our deepest condolences to each & everyone of you.  we feel your pain & loss, know that you’re  in our thoughts & prayers.  Our Lord is a loving & merciful God who’s always there for us. 
Love, 
Joe & Elodia 

Our entire staff st Forest  Park  East  Funeral  Home  sends our sincere  condolences  to your family.

 I worked with Oscar for  three years in the Main Lab at Bayer and enjoyed being with him and talking about hunting and fishing.  A bonus was him bringing fresh fish and feeding us.  It was a great break from work and we got to know him better.  He always talked of fishing and hunting trips.  Most of all he was proud of his family.  We all compared notes and family vacations and outings.  He was easily made a friend and for the short time I knew him I considered him one of mine.  I'm praying for the family in their loss and may God comfort you all.

You were the meaning of a true Harlingen Cardinal...a dear friend/brother to many..an. Amazing athlete, especially that of a Cardinal football player, along with our other brothers. A loving and dedicated son, brother and husband and father. You are loved by us all and shall never be forgotten. You will forever live in our hearts. My sincere condolences the the entire Garcia family. 

With tears in my eyes and scores of awesome memories with Oscar, I send my condolences to his family and all of his friends.   I had the great fortune of being one of Oscar’s close friends and fishing buddies for more than 50 years.  We started fishing together during our preteens.  I vividly recall him showing me how to take a needle from mom’s sewing kit (sorry Mary), bending it into a hook, attaching thread for line and bread for bait, then going after the “Trophy fish” of the Harlingen canals.  As we grew older and more mobile, fishing extended to the arroyo, the bay, and even Mexico.  His Dad Luis took us often, and taught us well. He was the best fisherman I’ve ever known, and Oscar grew up to match his skills.  Even after we went our separate ways, we remained in contact and went on more fishing and hunting excursions.  Oscar and our other friends made those the some of the best memories. Reflecting them always results in a huge smile and a sense of peace.   
We could always count on Oscar to be there when we needed!!!   He was one of a kind!!
To my dear friend and Compadre, I miss you already but realize you’re in good hands.  It’s not Good Bye, but see you Later.

Fishing Picture from 1977 left to right - Rick Galvan, Brian Snyder, Oscar, David E


I wish to extend my deepest sympathies to the Garcia family for the loss of your beloved Oscar. I will never forget his kindness and the special place he held in the hearts of many. He was such an amazing athlete in high school.

My family shares your sadness as we hope and pray that God’s peace will fill your hearts.

With much love,

Mayra V Wellington 
            and
The Vallejo Family 



I have known Oscar and his family all my life.  I had the pleasure of sharing the most beautiful friendship with him through our school years.  He always referred to me as, "His Little Sisiter"  He had a heart that would go on forever.  He made sure i was always protected.  I will miss you Oscar.  Its time for you to be in peace now.  Just know that you are loved.  God Bless you and your family
Rest in Peace

My name is Seth Robins and I had the privilege of working with Oscar for about 6 years in DNT/SAC/CTO at Bayer/Covestro. We spent many, long, hours working hard, struggling with shift work, talking, laughing, and generally becoming good friends. It was clear from my interactions with Oscar that above all things he loved his daughter, Megan.

Oscar may not have realized this, but he had a huge impact on my life. His unconditional generosity helped me to go back to school and earn a degree in an engineering discipline. Now, I no longer work shift work or miss so much time with my family. When I was going to school, taking online classes while at work, Oscar would offer to do my work for me at night. He encouraged me to focus on school and he always believed that I would succeed, even when others didn't.

Together, Oscar and I struggled with similar problems working shift work. The only reason anyone works shift work, and puts their body through the stress and strain that it brings, is in hope of providing a better life for their loved ones. There is no other reason, and there is no better motivation to keep you going when you feel like you can't make another day. It is a hard life, but you do it for your family, and particularly for Oscar and I, I know we were doing it for the most precious thing in the world to us, our children, Megan and Brendan.

A true Friend who always had a smile and a kind word. He was a man of integrity and would always do the right thing. Fishing a passion and family. Oscar will be missed by many but not forgotten by all. God Bless His Spirit and  may he rest in Peace. See you on the other side my Friend!

Oscar, My friend & Primo—will sure miss you. I always enjoyed our conversations on college football & your fishing stories. My fondest memory when we were kids; after running around the neighborhood-we would take our shirts off & lay on the marble tile floor in your mom & dad’s living room to cool off.  
God bless you, your daughter, & your wonderful family.
Love you Primo... 


With heaviest of heart our condolences to the Garcia family from the Moody girls.   Rest in peace my friend may the Lord shine his everlasting light upon your face.   Now you're in heaven catching the BIG  one with our dads.. Thank you for always  checking  on me when I was going  through  my illness   your phone calls and your kind  and encouraging  words   would  make me feel better. 


My sincerest condolences to the Garcia family.  Oscar was a dear friend of mine dating back to 1975 at Coakley Junior High.  He always stood up for justice and had a heart of gold.  Thank you my friend for protecting me and acting as my big brother in times that I needed it.  I will never forget your kindness my friend.  Rest In Peace and soar with the angels!  May you never feel pain or sorrow again in ever loving eternity.  Until we meet again.  Vaya con Dios my friend!

My Condolences to the Garcia family.
Oscar and I met in 5th grade registering for the youth football League , we both ended up on the same team (The Colts) coached by Mr. Moises Vela and a few former Harlingen cardinals. We became really good  friends that started a journey of life in sports;football , basketball, track and baseball. Boy did we have fun;he was such a gifted athlete that everyone would line up to watch him perform. Most everyone that played along side with Oscar was in for the best ride of winning . Oscar's love , attitude, kindness and gratitude was so contagious that everyone performed over their head delivering their all . 
My brother I know our Lord and savior has recovered a wonderful loving caring spirit and soul. I miss you my brother , we know you are resting , you never rode the bench always engaged in the journey of life 110%. RIP my brother it's our turn to carry you and your family as you rest. Luv you Rene !

My condolences to the Garcia family,  
  Oscar was a great person, an awesome athlete in his prime.  My father used to coach our  basketball team when I was in 5th and 6 grade and Oscar was on the team both years.  Oscar was one of the stars on the team.  Then I had to play against him in junior high they were always hard to beat.  God bless him and the Garcia family.  

Oscar words cannot express the pain that I felt when I first learned of your passing.  And then regret set in because so much time has passed since all the Harlingen gang has gotten together.  Always thinking that tomorrow is a good time. Not so...there is no better time than the present.

For the Garcia family, especially your daughter, my condolences.  Prayers for strength and comfort during this difficult time.  Please know that Oscar was so loved by everyone.

God bless and Oscar my dear friend Rest In Peace.🙏🏼

The entire staff of Forest  Park  East  Funeral  Home  sends our deepest condolences  to your family during this difficult  time.

Your non - presence will be felt.  I pray for you, your daughter, and your extended family. I will never forget your positive and humble nature to compete. Your love of life, and the nature all around you. You will be missed, but you never will be forgotten. I love you. Tony guerrero

My deepest condolences to the Garcia family. May the Lord help you in this time of Great pain. Words can’t express how I feel at this moment....finding out we lost our brother Oscar was and is like living in a bad dream. Oscar, my brother how i ache in the deepest inner core of my heart. I write these words with so much despondency that my soul just can’t bear the pain I feel of your loss. To see how many lives you have touched only give a testimony of your great personality and humanity. Oscar treated me like a brother no matter what.In the 80s. Oscar called me saying let’s go and I knew exactly what that meant. Time to catch some fish. We picked up his boat and took off far northeast of Port  Mansfield when our motor just would not turn on. That afternoon was hot like in the 90s when a cold front blew thru, and we found our selves hovering inside his small compartment trying to keep warm. The next morning I looked lat Oscar with what must have been a Sense of concern when Oscar told me not to worry because he would get us out one way or another. That is when we jumped in the cold bay water and walked about a couple of miles pulling the boat towards the ship channel. We got rescued .Oscar’s dad came over and bought us a very needed lunch and told us how the Coast Guard and the Sheriff department was looking for us. Mr. Garcia was a great man that knew how to get after us and at the same time show how much he cared for us. Oscar reminded me how important it was to keep in touch with one another. Last year when out of the blue he called me and told me how much he loved me as his brother. He said that it was too much time that we had not spoken to each other and needed to get the brothers together. He taught me a great lesson to always keep in touch and remind me that not only were we friends but Brothers.... Oscar my brother I will never forget you.... never having a brother you taught me I have many brothers.

When I was in the 7th grade, I was the manager (waterboy) for our 7th grade football team. I loved all sports and just wanted to be a part of something. Oscar was a gifted athlete, tall handsome and extremely charasmatic, was admired and respected by all.  It was during this time that we struck up a friendship. I was not what you would call a great athlete, but I could hold my own. I did not play football, but when basketball season came around I went out for the team. By now a hierarchy of click group's had been established and those at the top would generally pick on the lower tier (I wouldn't call it bullying, but typical Jr high boy stuff). During basketball tryouts, it was obvious (not having formal training) that there were far superior athletes than I, and I would probably not make the team. Oscar however took me under his wing protected me against the bullies and showed me how to properly dribble and shoot a basketball. I did make the team albeit 3rd string lol, all in thanks to Oscar. I played in the 7th & 8th grade.....  Oscar, I don't think I ever properly thanked you for your kindness. That's who Oscar Garcia was, never too big to help the little guy out. There is a special place in heaven for fine men like you. God bless you amigo.
Ron Sauceda

My cousin Oscar.    I can say much but it was his wonderful laugh  and beautiful smile I’ll miss.                                                                     Visiting Harlingen through the years and spending time was a time we all looked forward to.                                                                        Will miss you Primo.    Much love

I went to  elementary with Oscar at Sam Houston.  He was good friends with my brother Brady & were good friends.  We then went to Coakley Jr. High together.  He was always laughing, smiling and was nice to both me & Brady.  Haven't seen him in years but always will remember his smile and nice words.  RIP Oscar.  God bless your family & Friends. 

I had the pleasure of coaching Oscar in track and field at Harlingen High School. Wow! What an athlete! He was a fantastic long jumper, sprinter, and quarter miler. In 1981 his opening quarter of 48secs in the mile relay at the district meet helped to set a 3:16.55 record which still stands. He helped lead that relay all the way to the state meet that year. He was the type of individual that everyone looked up to. His smile and hard work ethic was contagious. "Thank you Oscar for making me a better coach." My thoughts and prayers go out to all of his family members.





Oscar, you are my best friend.  You would do any thing for me and you did.  We lived across the street from each other in Pelican's Nest, Seabrook.  I first met you in 2009 when you came over to see my house, thinking about buying across the street.  Thank goodness you did buy. 

We talked well into the night, solving 'the world's problems'  getting to know each other better and better, becoming fast friends.  There was the time I had a load of dirt dumped in my driveway and before I could get my shovel out, you were there with yours, thank you.

I had no fishing equipment,  but you would take me fishing (with your gear) in the Gulf and in your boat - what great times.  Thank you. There was the time we ran aground at night on a sand bar and slept in your boat until the tide came in.  

And then there was the time I went in for an operation and there you were there at 5 AM with me  !!

I love you and miss you,   Bob

Our sweet High School friend Oscar. He was a star athlete from our home town Harlingen, Texas.
My memory of him was his kind smile and kind soul. He loved everyone and everyone loved him too. 
He will be greatly missed.  
May you Rest In Peace sweet friend .

Oscar’s legacy to those of us who knew him as a teenager will last forever. For us, he was a man among us boys, and his untimely death has hit us hard.  Without speaking for others, I can honestly say that I looked up to him as someone who had it all.  He was tall, good-looking, smart,  charming, and incredibly athletic.   I spoke to him about year ago after 30 years or more and it was as if no time had passed.  His death was shocking not only because Oscar was too young to die, but because for many of us he was unbreakable.  He will be missed.  

Five years ago, I was in Houston for Clara's surgery and was feeling increasingly anxious sitting alone in the waiting room for what was going to be a very long day. Out of no where pops in Oscar!  He had taken the day off to sit vigil with me.  I hadn't seen Oscar in nearly 30 years since leaving the valley ... but it was as if not a single day had passed.  He so kindly eased all my anxiety and worries and filled the day with stories of fishing, traveling, and old family memories.  Oscar might have been there for Clara, but I was the one who really needed him that day.  What a comfort he was to me.

The next day, he visited us again, and what a hoot it was to see him and Clara interact!  I was filled with flashbacks of us as kids and how Oscar would love to pester Clara.  She begged him to stop making her laugh, but he mischievously kept on and the laughter continued.  With his charm and that smile, he could get away with anything.

Since that time, Oscar would check in with me now and then.  I would always say how sweet it was of him to call, but he would correct me and firmly say, "no prima, you know I am anything but sweet."  I courteously relented as "sweet" may not have been the right word.  I will say I felt Oscar's love and care.  We were so lucky to have each other as family.  I will hold Oscar in my heart always.  I love you, Primo!

My favorite memories of Oscar go back to our pre-school childhood days.  Pat and Oscar were my first friends.  We spent countless hours playing together.  We even took afternoon naps together and my Mom would give us snacks too.  My brother, Bobby was right there with us too. I will always cherish those precious memories.  I was so proud of Oscar’s athletic accomplishments.  Bobby and Oscar remained friends through their adult lives.  

My thoughts and prayers are for all the Garcia family.  Please know You are loved.  May God comfort you during this time.  Lean into God’s loving arms and feel His peace.

A Prayer For The Family And Friends:

Oh Heavenly Father,

You hold time in your hands, and see it all, from the beginning to the end.  Father God, I pray that you would please keep and carry this precious Family and Friends, during their unbearable grief and painful  loss.  Cover them with your strong arms of protection and your great wings of love.  Give their weary hearts rest and keep their minds in perfect peace.  Lord, lift up their eyes so that they may catch a glimpse of Eternity and be comforted by your promises of Heaven. 

I pray and ask, all these things, in the precious name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

The time that I played in my first AJGA qualifier during the summer of my sophomore year in high school, my Uncle Oscar and Aunt Sue were always gracious enough to host me.  I started the round off terribly, which ended any chance of qualifying for a prestigious junior golf tournament.  I wanted to quit but was convinced otherwise by Uncle Oscar.  That lesson still resonates today.  

And who could forget the time that we stayed overnight at John T’s cabin with my Grandfather.  Oscar and I stayed up all night under the stars and fished under the pier lights.  There were thousands of speckled trout and I told Uncle Oscar that I could catch one with just the hook and no bait.  Much to his surprise, I did.  The next morning, Oscar and I helped my Grandfather catch the biggest stingray he had ever caught.  It took him 45 minutes to reel it in.  

Uncle Oscar and I were at the Paisano Ranch with my Grandfather when he shot his last buck.  It was my Grandfathers last deer he ever harvested and one of last memories with him before he passed.

Another one was the time that we were tying up to a rig offshore in his Hydra Sport as waves blasted our vessel.  I always got sea sick but didn’t care.  I always felt safe when Oscar was the guide.  We caught a red snapper and mahi mahi.  He told me to watch closely because they change colors when they get close to the boat.  He was an exceptional fisherman and even better cook.  

There are just too many amazing memories to recount.  I wish he were still here.  I miss him greatly.  


My Uncle Oscar was anything but an ordinary uncle.  From the time that I can remember, hanging out with my Uncle Oscar always meant having a fantastic time.  As a little kid, growing up with two albeit lovely sisters, I was always eager to get the opportunity to hang out and tag along with my Uncle.  Little did I know, the time that I was so blessed to share with him, was going to have such a meaningful impact on my life.   

One of my earliest memories dates back to about 1983. I was about 5 years old and Oscar took me on a quick trip to Sears down in Harlingen, TX.  I don’t recall what we were picking up, but I do remember Oscar having about a 10-minute conversation with a friend who worked there.  Next to where they were chatting stood a $0.10 gumball machine.  Although hesitant, I interrupted their conversation and asked Uncle Oscar for a dime.  He of course obliged with my initial request, but after persistent nagging, ultimately gave me what seems like $2.00 worth of dimes from his pocket.  Uncle Oscar was always very generous.  

There was a time that he was preparing for an overnight fishing trip in Harlingen and he had just gotten back from the grocery store.  Unbeknownst to him, I ate all of his Doritos. For good reason, he got mad at me and told me to go tell my Mom.  I still can’t believe I did that.  

When I was playing in the pee wee baseball championship, it was a tight game headed into the late innings and the crowd was a nervously quiet.  We were up to bat and much to my embarrassment, he and my Uncle David took off their t-shirts and started waving them around to get the crowd riled up. It worked and we wound up with a big inning and won the game.  


What a profound loss for all us that knew him from his hometown of Harlingen, Texas. 

As a Running Back, Oscar had a major role in taking our football team to a #10 ranking in the entire state of Texas.  

As a Track & Field athlete, Oscar was such an amazing sprinter and middle distance runner that he led our 1600 meter relay team all the way to the State Track meet.  

As a man of character, Oscar was the type of guy that would tell bullies to leave weaker students alone and they listened to him.  

Oscar was a born leader and just the best guy you could ever know.  We are all proud of our hometown hero.  He will be missed.  Rest in peace, Oscar.  It was my pleasure to have known you.  My deepest condolences to Oscar's parents, his family, his siblings and his daughter.  


https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=305128933743700&id=100027397875751

I will miss Oscar.  Our friendship started with a shared love for fishing and lasted for twenty years.  I have many regrets but will choose to remember all the great times we had together.  Some of my favorites were:

Twenty five miles out of Freeport in four-foot seas and the steering wheel broke off his boat.  It was just the two of us and we were lucky to make it back in without a rescue.  I can thank Oscar for getting me back to shore.

The thirty-six hour off-shore tuna trip with Craig Saxe, Paul Booker, Wes Nance, etc.  I caught a big amber jack and we had a blast.  Oscar cracked himself up by singing 'I'm Your Captain' to Paul Booker.

The day Oscar caught a fifty five pound ling and came as close as you can to having a full-blown heat stroke.

The day I got hooked through the thumb and found out that Oscar was squeamish about blood.  I had to pull the hook out of myself.  Oscar caught a big mahi mahi.

Many days of fishing in Jack's Pocket and catching a ton of reds.  Oscar was a hell of a navigator.

Night fishing at San Louis pass and hooking what felt like a submarine.  I didn't land it.

Night fishing in Upper Trinity Bay and catching a pair of big black drum and a four-foot alligator gar.

Wade fishing with Oscar all over the Galveston Bay system.  He was a power walker and always out-fished me when wading.  

Limiting out on big speckled trout while fishing at the rigs in Upper Trinity Bay.

Tuna fishing out of Venice, LA with JW Clary and Tuan Hoang.  This was Oscar's bachelor party and it was a total blast both offshore and onshore.

Fishing in Madera to celebrate Oscar and Ana's wedding.  Worst fishing ever, but a wonderful time.

We had plenty of good times not fishing as well.  Seeing Lynyrd Skynyrd and hanging out with Johnny VanZandt, going to Dave Matthews, seeing Steely Dan.  Seeing the Chiefs at Arrowhead.

We also just hung out.  Oscar loved to tell a story and always kept the conversation going.  I think we are all going to miss that. 


OBITUARY

Oscar Cesar Garcia

May 15, 1962 – May 10, 2019

Forest Park East Funeral Home & Cemetery

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