Ricardo Homero Garcia

RICARDO HOMERO “BEBE” GARCIA MISSION - Ricardo Homero “Bebe” Garcia, 90, after battling pneumonia for 40 days in the ICU, was peacefully carried home to Heaven on April 20, 2022, and is now safe in the arms of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. In the last few months of his life, Ricardo had been cared for by one of his loving nieces who had held him until his final breath - he was never alone. God, in His steadfast and faithful love for Ricardo, walked with him through those 40 days of suffering, and through that time did a powerful work in his life and the lives of those who loved him and witnessed his suffering. Ricardo had reaffirmed his faith in Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior and although we grieve, we do so with the hope knowing that we will see our dear Bebe again. He is survived by his kind and faithful brother, Omar C. Garcia, Sr. of McAllen, and three nieces and four nephews: Omar C. Garcia, Jr. (Cheryl) of Katy, Yvonne C. Glosch (Paul) of Katy, Thelma I. Balli of McAllen, Felipe L. (Melissa) of Houston, Laura C. Garcia of McAllen, Philip S. Havice (Roxana) of New Braunfels, Michael J. Havice (Judy) of Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin, and his four dynamic dogs including his sweet furry companion, Sophia, who was always by his side. He is also survived by many great nieces, great nephews and cousins. Ricardo was preceded in death by his amazing pioneer parents, Felipe and Lucy Garcia of Mission, his precious sister Teresa “Teresita” Josefina Garcia who died in infancy, his brother Ricardo Homero “Cadito” Garcia who died in childhood, his vivacious sister Lucy Thelma Havice of Austin, his brilliant brother Luis Felipe Garcia of Mission, his beautiful sister-in-law Frances G. Garcia of McAllen, brother-in-law and WWII hero, Roberto Gonzalez of Mission, nephew and former Hollywood stuntman Bob Havice of Steamboat Springs, Colorado, brother-in-law James A. Havice of Austin, and his loyal Italian Greyhound, Pepper. The youngest of six children, Ricardo was born on December 9, 1931, to City of Mission Pioneers, and former City Commissioner, Felipe Garcia and Lucy Gomez Garcia. He completed his elementary education at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic School, and went on to graduate from Mission High School. As a young man, he was proud to be a Boy Scout in Troop 20, which was one of the first of two Boy Scout Troops that his father had started in Texas. He was extremely proud of his father’s accomplishments during the Great War (WWI), and how his father had achieved the highest rank of a non-commissioned officer, Sergeant Major. Like his father, brothers and brothers-in-law, he chose to serve his country by enlisting in the Armed Forces. He served in the Air Force as Staff Sergeant during the Korean War. After his honorable discharge from the Air Force, Ricardo then moved to New Orleans to study history at Loyola University where he completed his undergraduate studies and graduated with honors. He then moved to New York for his post graduate education at Colgate University where he completed his graduate studies and received his Masters Degree. Soon after college, Ricardo came back to his beloved hometown of Mission, Texas, where he followed in his father’s footsteps with community service and involvement. He was a charter member of the Mission Historical Society, and a member of the Hidalgo County Historical Commission. His knowledge of the history of Mission, the Rio Grande Valley and Mexican-American history was unmatched. He was also extremely knowledgeable in Texas, U.S. and world history. He was a true historian and knew the importance of correctly understanding our past in order to better navigate our future. As an educator at La Joya High School for many years teaching history, he passed along his love of history to his students, but he also enjoyed talking with anyone who had an ear to listen and learn. He remained a “student of history”, always ready to jot down notes in a pocket spiral notebook or even a napkin at Whataburger where he enjoyed many years of gathering with family and friends for morning coffee and lively conversations. Since childhood, Ricardo had a love for animals, nature and adventure. Throughout his life, he supported organizations that were dedicated to preserving and protecting nature, both locally and globally. Throughout the years, he held memberships with Valley Nature Center, National Audubon Society, Sierra Club, National Wildlife Federation, and more. In life, there are those who only speak of what they believe, but Ricardo quietly and faithfully supported the causes that were close to his heart. He had extensively traveled the globe but still dreamed of going to one more place - Africa. He also possessed a vast knowledge of world geography. Whether it was Argentina, Machu Picchu, or the Hagia Sophia in Turkey, his travels always took him to some of the most beautiful and fascinating places on the planet. But of all the places he traveled to, Mission is the place his heart never forgot, and to where his footsteps always brought him back. Mission was home and the place where his roots were deep as the son of Texas pioneer parents and grandparents. Ricardo also spent many years as a businessman and real estate developer. He enjoyed being a landlord to many tenants through the years, and there were many tenants who were grateful for his kindness.
Ricardo was of a generation of men who are now considered rare. Family and friends would describe him as fiercely loyal, dynamic, and one who enchanted strangers with his generosity and warmth - a gentleman to all who met him. He respected the Jesuits, was a member of the Catholic War Veterans, and loved his country. He was very well read and enjoyed frequent trips to Barnes & Noble. There are many memories of family events, holiday dinners and gatherings where the history of Peru or any historical topic, geography or family history would take centerstage when our beloved Bebe was present. What a treasure he was, and what a gift he gave us with his tireless spirit and very interesting conversations. He was also an excellent cook and made the best flan. He was dearly loved by family and many friends, and he will be greatly missed. In the last 40 days of his life, Ricardo battled against an illness that so quickly came upon him. But it was with tremendous courage that he fought against that illness and amazed even his doctors. One doctor likened him to Richard the Lionheart of England who was known for his courage in battle. Family and friends prayed for a miracle, and although he is no longer with us, Bebe was our miracle. God blessed Bebe with a rich and full life on this earth, but most importantly, God blessed him with the gift of eternal life. In the end, Bebe’s faith was in Christ alone for salvation. Therefore, we shall see him again.