At the age of 18, Samuel Garcia proudly answered his nation’s call to duty and served his country in the United States Army during World War II. He fought valiantly in several major campaigns including the invasion of Normandy, invasion of France and Ardennes, Rhineland. From 1943 to 1945, his dedication, commitment and sacrifice were indeed noteworthy as America went on to win one of our country’s most important wars. He was truly a proud member of America’s Greatest Generation.
As a youngster he was a top-notch cowboy on the King Ranch, and went on to a career as a master mechanic for the government. He retired from the Civil Service.
Music was an important part of his life, and led him to form the band “Garcia and Garcia” in which he sang and played the accordion, guitar and saxophone. He was an active member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. He served as president of the Pan-American Club, and was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Disabled American Veterans.
On January 5, 2010 funeral services were held at the Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home Chapel in Killeen. Patriot Guard Riders were present, and formed a line of American Flags at the entrance to welcome the arriving family and friends. Those Riders then led the funeral procession to the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery for interment services.
The Riders formed a line of flags around the committal shelter as final prayers were recited and formal military honors were rendered by a U. S. Army Honor Guard. The American flag that had draped the casket was folded into a tight triangle and presented to his wife, Esperanza. Taps was played.
PFC Samuel G. Garcia was then laid to rest on a bright and sunny day on the gentle slope of the cemetery. The American Flag was flying at half-mast, on the hill, in his honor.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife, two sons, a daughter, three brothers, two sisters, seven grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.
God Bless America
While the storm clouds gather far across the sea,
Let us swear allegiance to a land that's free.
Let us all be grateful for a land so fair,
As we raise our voices in a solemn prayer.
God Bless America,
Land that I love
Stand beside her, and guide her
Thru the night with a light from above.
From the mountains to the prairies,
To the oceans white with foam.
God bless America, My home sweet home.
With thanks to the Killeen Daily Herald for biographical information.
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