Manuel Antonio Garcia

CLEARFIELD a€" Manuel Antonio Garcia, 90, passed away Sunday, Feb 23, 2014 with his loving family by his side. He was born May 10, 1923 in Colonias, NM, to Pedro Garcia and Guadalupita Rivera Garcia. He grew up during the depression without a mother, as she died when he was only 2 years old. His father died when he was twelve. He lived with family members until he enlisted on May 13, 1943. He proudly served his country as a Corporal, Military Policeman Battalion, United States Army, where he escorted prisoners of war back to their homeland after WWII. He married Celsa Sena May 17, 1947 in Pecos, NM. They were divorced after 32 years of marriage. He brought the family to Utah in 1952 where he worked at Hill AFB, retiring after 35 years. During his career he traveled as a civilian to Vietnam, Philippines, and Thailand during war time. He returned home a few days before his workplace was bombed. He loved to garden, care for his children, travel, and family Wendover trips. He was preceded in death by two special companions and friends Bertha Pacheco and Sue Lopez. He is survived by eight children, Lola (Marty) Martinez, Stella (Joe) Ybarra, Manuel Garcia Jr, Alice (Dave) Chavez, Jim (Louise) Garcia, Daniel Garcia (David Van Dyke, decd), Lucy (Brent) Cummins, Mary (Kevin) Sprague, 14 grandchildren, and 24 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by grandson Derek Cummins and great-grandson Tyson Chavez. Manuel was the last of his generation. Special thanks to Manuel Jr, who cared for dad the last three years, enabling him to live at home. Friends may visit from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, Feb 27, at Aaron's Mortuary, 1050 S State St, Clearfield, with a Rosary at 7:30 p.m. A funeral Mass will be Friday, Feb 28 at 10 a.m. at St. Rose of Lima Church, 210 Chapel St, Layton. Interment, Clearfield City Cemetery with Military Honors Accorded. We love you dad. Condolences may be shared at: www.aarons.mortuary.com