Frank A. Garcia

Francisco Antonio Garcia, 86 a longtime Fort Sumner resident and businessman passed away Thursday, January 16, 2014 at his home following an illness. Francisco was born November 15, 1927 in Yeso, NM to the home of Jose Maria and Delores (Maes) Garcia. He attended school in Yeso. Francisco served in the United States Army-Air Force; he enlisted on February 25, 1946 and was honorably discharged on February 24, 1949 with the rank of Corporal. He served with the 525th Installation Squadron; his military occupation was Crash Rescueman. Francisco married Betty Jo Hamlett on December 1, 1947 in Phoenix, Arizona. He worked in the copper mines in San Manuel, and Globe, Arizona for several years. They made their home in Fort Sumner where Francisco worked as a rancher and farmer. He worked as a blade operator for the De Baca County Road Department for several years. Francisco and Betty owned and operated businesses in Fort Sumner for several years including the Friendly Grocery Store, The Coronado Motel and the Rio Pecos Café. Francisco was a member of First Baptist Church in Fort Sumner, and a member of the American Legion. He enjoyed music, dancing, and keeping busy with his family. He loved his family and was extremely dedicated to all! Francisco is preceded in death by his parents, Jose Maria and Delores Garcia; his sister Paulita Lopez, and a son-in-law Micheal McClung. He will be missed by his loving family, his wife of 66 years Betty Garcia of the family home in Fort Sumner, three daughters Kay Larsen and husband Richard of Las Cruces, NM, Debra White and husband Robert of Amarillo, TX, Francee Garcia-McClung of Clovis; two sons Franklin Garcia and his wife Lori of Fullerton, CA, and John Garcia of Hereford, Texas, a brother John Garcia and his wife Mary Agnes, and a sister Irene Gallegos all of Roswell, NM. Also surviving are 17 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren along with a host of other relatives and many friends. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 am Monday, January 20, 2014 at First Baptist Church in Fort Sumner with Rev. Jim Peabody officiating. Burial with military honors by Cannon Air Force Base Honor Guard will follow at Fort Sumner Cemetery. Pallbearers will include Richard Larsen, Robert Larsen, Joni Johnson, Tanya Johnson, Dana Garcia, Beto Lopez, Jayland Rodriguez, and Malik Turner. All arrangements are under the direction of Chavez Funeral Home, 830 N. Fifth Street, Fort Sumner, New Mexico. (575) 355-2311. To place an online tribute or sign the guest book, go to www.chavezfuneralhome.com.