First Sergeant Genaro David Garcia Sr., (U.S. Marine Corps, Retired)

September 19, 1931 – April 11, 2024

First Sergeant Genaro David Garcia Sr. passed away peacefully at home in San Antonio, Texas, on April 11, 2024, surrounded by his loving family and his wife. He married Guillermina Valdez Garcia of 69 years on July 2, 1955. He was born on September 19, 1931, in San Antonio, Texas, and lived a life guided by the tenets of faith, family, and service. He is survived by his loving wife, Guillermina Valdez Garcia, sons Genaro David Garcia Jr., Paul Daniel Garcia (Blanca), his seven grandchildren - Bella (Gary), Rachel, Nicole (Donny), Daniel (Ashley), Paul James, Rosanna, and Genaro David III. He had twelve (4th generation) great grandchildren, and eight (5th generation) great-great grandchildren. Genaro is also survived by his sister Molly Garza, sister-in-law Maria Dolores Hinojosa (Fernando), and numerous nieces, nephews, and their spouses. Genaro David Garcia Sr. is preceded in death by his daughters, Lydia G. Ramirez, Elizabeth R. Garcia, and his parents, Ramona and Ascension Garcia.

Genaro graduated from Fox Tech High School in 1950, completing three years of welding while attending. He was involved in track and boxing in the Golden Glove Tournament, as well as playing baseball in the church league. In 1950, at the age of 17, Genaro joined the seminary. Later that year, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps with his mother's consent, as his father did not approve. Genaro completed courses in office management and attended San Antonio Barber College. During his time at Marcosta Junior College, Genaro received job training in hot and cold food preparation and served as a manager at a laundry and dry-cleaning establishment.

Genaro's distinguished Marine Corps career spanned 23 years (1950–1973), including tours of duty in Korea and Vietnam. Genaro was forward deployed twice into combat operations in Vietnam. While serving as a Platoon Sergeant, he was wounded in action and exposed to Agent Orange. He was on his way to do a third tour in Vietnam but was ordered to Okinawa where he remained for one year. He fought in Korea for a year as a Fire Team Leader near the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). After his tour in Korea, he was assigned to Sea Duty aboard the old WWII aircraft carrier, the Ticonderoga CV-14, for two years. During his time in this billet, he learned security procedures related to nuclear devices on aircraft carriers from December 1959 to December 1961.

From May 1967 to 1968, he was responsible for logistics support for a battalion in the field in Vietnam, overseeing food and supply operations. Though offered a battlefield commission to Second Lieutenant, he respectfully declined. Throughout his career in the Marine Corps, Genaro held various roles and billets. These included being the noncommissioned officer in charge of security for communications in Japan (May 1964 - May 1967) and a primary marksmanship instructor at Edson Range in Camp Pendleton, California, where he was responsible for training Marine Corps recruits in proper combat marksmanship with the service rifle from May 1968 - August 1969. Additionally, Genaro received safety training in defensive driving, demolition school, disarming explosives, and proper handling of small arms at the rifle range. He was also trained in first aid and was recognized with a safety award for his accident-free record at the rifle range. Furthermore, during the period of 1969-1970, Genaro served as the Brig Warden at Camp Pendleton's Correction Center, responsible for the security and well-being of over 500 inmates.

As a First Sergeant, Genaro found his greatest fulfillment in boosting morale and caring for the welfare of the men under his command. Retiring in 1973 after 23 years of service, Genaro achieved several commendations. His personal awards include receiving the Purple Heart in June 1974, the Marine Corps Combat Action Ribbon 2nd award, and the Good Conduct Medal 4th award. Genaro also earned other personal awards including a Marine Corps Meritorious Mast in June 1969 for maintaining an accident-free rifle range, the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry in October 1968. Additionally, he received a Certification of Appreciation for Armed Forces Service in May 1973. His last duty assignment was Presidential Security Detail for President Richard Nixon.

Throughout his 23-year military career, Genaro was actively engaged in coaching baseball, basketball, and boxing, fostering camaraderie and discipline among his fellow service members. He himself participated in both baseball and basketball during his time in the military. Committed to the welfare of the troops under his command, he delivered lectures on drug abuse prevention. Genaro's passion for coaching extended beyond the military; he volunteered as a coach for community little league baseball teams in Japan and mentored boxing teams in youth organizations within the Marine Corps.

After retiring from the U.S. Marine Corps, Genaro dedicated 20 years to working as a head chef at Methodist Hospital on the VIP floor. He cherished traveling with his wife, children, and grandchildren in their motorhome whenever possible. Whether it was bus trips, flying to visit family, or exploring casinos together, he relished every moment spent with his loved ones. Genaro also found joy in family time and indulged in reading. His passion for landscaping was evident in his love for planting and gardening, especially cactus and fruit trees.

Genaro David Garcia Sr.'s most cherished legacy and generations is the loving family he leaves behind.

Once a Marine always a Marine, SEMPER FI

Funeral Services for Genaro David Garcia Sr. are as follows:

Visitation

Monday, April 29, 2024, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm

with a Rosary to be recited at 6:00 pm at Castillo Funeral Home, San Antonio, TX

Funeral Mass

Tuesday, April 30, 2024, at 9:30 am at St. Paul's Catholic Church,

350 Sutton Dr., San Antonio, Texas 78228

Interment with full military honors will follow at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery at 11:30 am.