Obituaries

John Thomas Garcia, a devoted veteran and beloved father, passed away on February 28, 2026. Born on December 16, 1946, in Austin, Texas, John was the son of Tomas Garcia and Eunice Garcia (nee Jones). He was the third of seven children and grew up in the community of Montopolis, graduating from Johnston High School.

Military Service and Career

In 1966, John answered the call to serve by joining the United States Air Force. Throughout his twenty-year military career, he specialized in transportation and logistics, reaching the rank of Sergeant. His service took him across the globe, including two tours in South Korea and a station at Tachikawa Air Force Base near Tokyo, Japan, as well as domestic assignments in South Carolina, California, and Carswell Air Force Base in Fort Worth. For his dedicated service, John was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the NCO Academy Ribbon, the Air Force Longevity Service Award with two Oak Leaf Clusters, and the Good Conduct Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters. He also played a vital role in his unit receiving the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award.

Family and Personal Life

In 1967, John married Patricia Lynn Williamson. Together, they welcomed two children: a daughter, Chandra Dawn, born in Japan in 1971, and a son, David Brent, born in Dallas in 1973. While the couple divorced in 1974, they remained connected through their children, who remember fondly the "magic of the PX" during their time on base.
After being honorably discharged from the military, John returned to Texas and made his home in Austin for the remainder of his life. He found joy in life's quiet rhythms, often seen on his daily walks to the bank or to buy scratch-off tickets. He was a frequent guest at Luby’s, where he never turned down a good steak, a cold Coke, and a slice of pecan pie. At home, he could often be found relaxing with a classic Western, with The Rifleman being a perennial favorite.

Survivors and Precedents

John was preceded in death by his parents, Tomas and Eunice; his sister, Joyce; and his brother, Jimmy Joe.
He is survived by his children, Chandra Garcia-Kitch (Jennie) and David Garcia (Vanessa Jimenez); his grandchildren, EJ, Anthony, Nathan, Ella, Josiah; his brothers, Terry Jack Garcia and Gabriel Garcia (Candy); his sisters, Judy Slusser and Janice Thompson; and a myriad of beloved nieces and nephews.

Service Information

Interment will be held on March 26, 2026, at 11:00 am at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio, Texas. John will be buried with full Military Honors in recognition of his two decades of dedicated service to his country.