Mario Hector (Jr.) Garcia

Mario Hector Garcia Jr., beloved husband, father, son, brother, and uncle, passed away on November 23, 2022. Mario was born on March 1, 1968, in San Antonio, Texas. He graduated from A.S. Johnston High School in Austin, Texas and from the University of Houston with a bachelor’s degree in political science.

Mario met the love of his life and was married in 1993. His wife fell in love with his starched jeans, cowboy boots, and cowboy hat, naming him the Mexican George Strait. Together, they were married 29 years and raised 4 beautiful children. Growing up, his children fondly recall him coaching their sports teams and attending all of their extra-curricular events, including dance recitals, baseball games, boy scout camping trips, and debate tournaments. They also enjoyed watching Mario’s love for cooking at Dos Mas Mexican Restaurant, which he owned in Clear Lake, Texas. Mario was the hardest worker, doing everything he could to provide for his family. You could always find him cheering on his favorite sports team, especially the Houston Cougars, Astros, and Dallas Cowboys, tending to his cows in Benavides, or busting a move to his favorite song. Mario’s family describes him as kind-hearted, family-oriented, and humorous. He enjoyed gathering family around a meal he prepared, never relaxing until everyone was taken care of. He always took care of his loved ones, whether that be with insightful advice or a light-hearted joke.  He leaves behind countless memories that will continue to bring smiles and joy to those who loved him.

Mario is survived by his wife, Laya Garcia; daughter, Olivia Cristiana Steele (Hunter); sons, John Matthew, Michael Amador, and Marcus Daniel Garcia; mother, Cynthia Carrillo Garcia; father, Mario Hector Garcia, Sr.; brothers, John Mark and Jaime Carlos Garcia; sister, Analisa Garcia Dawson (Caleb); and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, and uncles who will miss him dearly.

A Holy Rosary will be recited at 10:00 AM on Thursday, December 15, 2022,  followed by a Memorial Mass at St. Philip the Apostle Catholic Church, 3513 Cimarron Blvd., Corpus Christi, TX 78414. A Graveside Service will be held on Friday, December 16, 2022, at 11:00 AM at Benavides Cemetery, 613 Depot St., Benavides, TX 78341.