Armando Oscar Garcia

Armando Oscar Garcia, life-long resident of Marfa, and proud Veteran of the United States Army, answered the call to his eternal home on February 1, 2025, while in the company of his loved ones. Born in Marfa on July 23, 1937 to Juanita Garcia, "Mando" attended St. Mary's Catholic School, and remained a devoted member of the Parish, serving it as a member of the Knights of Columbus. 

With a quarter in his pocket, Mando married the love of his life, Lucila “Lucy” Lujan on January 5, 1957, and had with her four children, Glenn, Edward Samuel, Deborah Marie, and Brenda Jo. Soon after he married Lucy, he enlisted in the United States Army, in which he served in active duty for 7 years. Mando completed basic training in Fort Hood, Texas, then was stationed in Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, as part of the 25th Infantry Division, Tropic Lightning. He deployed to the Indo-Pacific area of responsibility, serving in combat zones in Cambodia and Laos in the lead up to the Vietnam War. Armando Garcia retired from active duty, honorably discharged with the rank of staff sergeant in December of 1064, then continued to serve in the Army Reserve/Texas National Guard(?) for another 13 years. Still not finished serving his country, SSG Garcia was the Presidio County Veterans Affairs Officer up until 2005. He began his insurance carrier with American National Insurance Company from 1964 to 1972. He had a brief stint operating the Marfa classic, yet non-eponymous, Mando's Restaurant alongside Lucy for two years, then returned to American National Insurance Company from which he retired in 1995. While at American National, his accolades within the company earned him award travel with Lucy at his side to Australia, Brazil, Denmark, France, and Switzerland. Mando welcomed numerous children and families he into his home as part of Lucy's daycare for over 30 years. His civic service included membership in the Lions Club International, while his political life led to Chair of the Presidio County Democratic Party. He was long-time member of the Merced Cemetery Association and played an integral role in acquiring a much needed acre of land for the cemetery for the continued dignified burial and interment of the deceased. For all his service to church, town, state, and country, Mando yet reserved the most for his loved and loving family. 

He was preceded in death by his mother Juanita, sons Sammy and Glenn, and wife Lucy, while his legacy lives on in his daughters Deborah Falknor and Brenda Garcia; son-in-law Kenneth Falknor, daughter-in-law Leticia Garcia; five grandchildren, Aaron Daniel Garcia, Andrea Marie Estrada, Marco Samuel Garcia, Jon Michael Fierro, and Steven Alexander Garcia; three grand-daughters-in-law, Roxanna Perez, Benita Fierro, and Maria Teresa Garcia; and six great-grandchildren, Diego Andres and Samuel Thomas Estrada, Selena Fierro, Emile Glenn and Elora Ann Garcia-Perez, and Lucero Inez Garcia. 

A funeral service for Armando O. Garcia will be held Saturday, February 8, 2025 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Marfa, Texas, beginning with a visitation at 8:00 am, Rosary at 9:30 am, and a Funeral Mass to follow at 10:00 am. Mando will then be laid to rest in Merced Cemetery with full military honors beside Lucy, Glenn, and Sammy. Lunch will be provided at the St. Mary’s Catholic Church Parish Hall following the services.