Rafael “Papa” Garcia
We want to honor and celebrate the life of Rafael “Papu” Garcia, whose journey on this Earth commenced on May 16, 1942, in the humble town of Piedras Negras, Mexico, and culminated in the peaceful embrace of the Lord on Jan. 27, 2025, in Temple.
A heavy equipment operator by trade and a cattle rancher by heart, Rafael’s hands shaped by the earth as surely as his presence shaped our lives. His love for cattle ranching was only surpassed by the love he held for his cherished family.
He was a devoted husband to his dear wife, Suzanne Garcia of Fairfield, and together they nurtured a lineage of love that blossoms to this day. A father to Brenda Gonzalez, Margarita Contreras and husband, Robert, Jesse Garcia and wife, Liliana, Rafael Garcia
Jr. and wife, Stephanie, and Raymond Garcia and wife, Monica, and a great number of grandchildren and great grandchildren, Rafael imparted wisdom and teachings, not through words alone, but through the deeds of his calloused hands and the undying dedication in his eyes. Each of his children and grandchildren carries forth a spark of Papu’s spirit. Rafael Garcia’s departure was heralded by the gentle closing of his eyes, as seizures brought on by Stage 4 Lung Cancer called him G arcia home. At that moment, he was surrounded by love and his beautiful wife along with his children.
He was preceded in transition by his parents, Petra Garcia and Nicolas Garcia- Ramirez, as well as his first wife Yolanda Margarita Garcia, who no doubt welcomed him into the Heavenly fold with open arms. Rafael’s story does not end here, for in each sunrise over the ranch, in every shared meal and gathered laughter, his story continues. It is a tale woven into the fabric of our community, enriched with each retelling, and cherished for the wisdom it imparts.
Visitation was Friday, Jan. 31, 4 to 7 p.m.at Corley Porter Funeral home at 208 N. Canton St. in Mexia. The funeral service will be Saturday, Feb. 1, 11 a.m. to noon at River of Life Church, 1201 E. Commerce St. in Fairfield.