George R. Garcia

Published in the Las Cruces Sun-News from 1/21/2009 - 1/22/2009

George R. Garcia passed away quietly surrounded by his family on January 18, 2009. Born and raised in Las Cruces,

George graduated from Las Cruces High School in 1952. George will be remembered for his love of his family and sports. George was a member of the Las Cruces Bulldawg 1952 State Championship Baseball Team, the Farm Team of the Washington Senators and the La Mesa Blue Jays.

George was fondly known by many as "Papa George". He was a District Director of the Democratic Party, a member of San Albino Catholic Church, an ardent supporter of Aggie Baseball and Bulldawg Football. In his lifetime he met no strangers.

He was quiet assured in the presence of prominent and humble people. In his eyes everyone was truly created equal.


George is survived by his loving wife Mary Helen, his daughters Roxanne Garcia-McElmell, Laura Garcia de Garcia and four grandchildren Adrianna and Jared McElmell, and Jose and Sophia Garcia. George was preceded in death by his son Gilbert.

A visitation will be held from 6 to 7 PM on Thursday, January 22, 2009 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Cathedral where a prayer vigil will follow at 7:00 PM.

The funeral mass to celebrate George's life will be at 10:00 AM on Friday, January 23, 2009 also at Immaculate Heart of Mary Cathedral with the Most Reverend Ricardo Ramirez, C.S.B., D.D. officiating.

In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to: NMSU Baseball Stadium Fund in memory of George R. Garcia c/o NMSU Foundation, Inc. PO Box 3590 Las Cruces, NM 88003

Arrangements by Getz Funeral Home corner of Solano and Bowman Ave., Las Cruces, NM. (575) 526-2419.

To sign the local online guest book go to www.GetzFuneralHome.com.