In Loving Memory of Tristan M. Garcia Jr.

April 20, 1946 – October 31, 2026

Some lives are measured not simply by the years lived, but by the knowledge shared, the lives touched, and the memories left behind.

Tristan M. Garcia Jr., 80, of League City, Texas, passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 31, 2026, leaving behind a lifetime of accomplishments, cherished memories, and a legacy of hard work, determination, and devotion to the things he loved.

Born on April 20, 1946, in Alice, Texas, Tristan was the second of four children born to the late Tristan M. Garcia Sr. and Susie B. Garcia. Growing up in Alice, he learned the value of hard work at an early age while helping his father at the family service station. It was there that he developed an appreciation for working with his hands, understanding how things worked, and finding satisfaction in a job well done.

A proud graduate of William Adams High School, Class of 1964, Tristan was a member of the school band, where he played the trombone. His love of music would remain a constant throughout his life, eventually becoming one of the many ways he expressed his unmistakable personality.

Tristan began his professional career as a state inspector with the Texas Department of Agriculture, serving for approximately ten years. His work took him throughout Texas, including East Texas. A firm believer in the importance of education and personal growth, he later returned to school at Midland College, where he earned an Associate of Applied Science degree in Respiratory Therapy. That decision marked the beginning of a remarkable career spanning more than four decades.

Tristan spent many years at Midland Memorial Hospital in Midland, Texas, where he dedicated himself to the field of respiratory care. Throughout his career, he treated patients of all ages and also held leadership positions overseeing respiratory services in nursing homes, helping provide care and comfort to elderly patients.

But of all the lives he touched throughout his career, it was the smallest and most vulnerable patient who captured his heart. Neonatal respiratory care was not simply Tristan’s specialty; it was his passion. He found his greatest professional fulfillment caring for premature and critically ill newborns, using his knowledge, experience, and skill to help babies through some of their most fragile moments. For a man known for his strong will, determination, and sometimes larger-than-life personality, there was a particularly tender and compassionate side that emerged when caring for newborns. He loved his profession and nowhere was that love more evident than in his dedication to those tiny patients who depended on him.

Even after retiring from respiratory therapy, Tristan wasn’t quite ready to put his working days behind him. He spent several years as a substitute teacher at Permian High School in Odessa, Texas, primarily teaching mathematics and science. His time in the classroom reflected his lifelong appreciation for education and the satisfaction he found in sharing his knowledge with others. He eventually retired completely, concluding a working life defined by service, perseverance, and a willingness to continue learning.

Tristan was a man of many talents. Fluent in English, Spanish, French, and Italian, and knowledgeable in Latin, he possessed a remarkable gift for languages. He enjoyed learning new things, solving problems, and putting his knowledge to practical use.

Away from his professional life, Tristan found happiness in the outdoors. An avid hunter and fisherman, he appreciated the peace and challenge of nature. He loved woodworking, repairing small engines, and tackling projects that allowed him to create, repair, or improve something with his own two hands.

He was also passionate about barbecue. Smoking briskets was more than simply preparing a meal; it was something he genuinely enjoyed. From selecting different woods to perfecting the flavor of a slow-smoked brisket, Tristan took pride in the process and found pleasure in cooking outdoors.

If there was one place where Tristan truly knew how to enjoy himself, it was on the dance floor. An exceptional dancer with a natural sense of rhythm, Tristan loved Tejano and country music. Whether dancing to a lively Tejano tune or moving effortlessly across the floor to a country favorite, he could dance his heart out. Those who had the pleasure of watching him dance knew that once the music started, Tristan was in his element. The dance floor was a place where his energy, personality, and love of life could shine. From the sound of a trombone in his younger years to the music that kept his feet moving throughout his life, his love of music was a thread woven through the many chapters of his story.

Over the years, Tristan called several parts of Texas home, including Alice, San Antonio, East Texas, Midland, Odessa, Abilene, and finally League City. Each chapter brought experiences that helped shape the man he became.

Above all, Tristan placed great importance on education, hard work, and personal achievement. He was immensely proud of his children’s accomplishments and the lives they built. He believed in making something of oneself, taking pride in one’s work, and never being afraid to learn something new.

Tristan was strong-willed, independent, and a man who approached life in his own way. He leaves behind memories of a hardworking professional, a gifted craftsman, a devoted outdoorsman, an enthusiastic cook, an unforgettable dancer, and a father whose legacy continues through his family.

Tristan was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Tristan M. Garcia Sr. and Susie B. Garcia, and his older brother, Jose Luis Garcia.

He is survived by his children, Dr. Theresa Labbé and her husband, Jason, Dr. Laurie Luciani, Eddie Gonzalez, Melissa Smithwick, Tracy Smithwick and his wife, Patty, Tristan M. Garcia III and his wife, Stephi, Marco A. Garcia and his wife, Marisela, and Dr. Stephanie Roach and her husband, Wesley. He is also survived by his sister, Grace Zertuche and her husband, Hector; his brother, Bruno Garcia and his wife, Mary; along with numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

Throughout his life, Tristan wore many hats. He was a son, a brother, a father, a respiratory therapist, a teacher, a craftsman, and a man who never passed up the opportunity for a good dance.

For more than four decades, he devoted his professional life to helping others breathe, especially the newborn babies who held such a special place in his heart. His hands built and repaired, his knowledge educated and healed, and his feet carried him across countless dance floors. Though his journey on this earth has come to an end, the impact of his work, the accomplishments of his family, and the memories he created will endure. And somewhere, we hope, the music is playing, the dance floor is waiting, and Tristan is dancing once again.

May he rest in eternal peace, reunited with the loved ones he missed so dearly.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Treviño Funeral Home, located at 120 E. Front Street in Alice, Texas. Visitation will be held on Thursday, November 12, 2026, from 5:00 PM until 9:00 PM; with recitation of the Holy Rosary at 7:00 PM that evening. A funeral cortege will depart the funeral home at 9:00 AM on Friday, November 13, 2026, to celebrate a Mass of Christian Burial at 9:30 AM at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Rite of Committal and Interment will follow at New Collins Cemetery where Tristan will be laid to rest in the peace of Christ.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made to the Epilepsy Foundation in loving memory of Tristan M. Garcia Jr. Donations may be made at https://www.epilepsy.com/give to support epilepsy research, education, awareness, and individuals and families affected by epilepsy.

Tristan’s pallbearers will be Gavin Garcia, Ethan Garcia, Aldric Gonzalez, Tony Gonzalez, Jr., Shan Patton, Wesley Roach, Luis Melecio García, and Fidencio Gonzalez, IV. Honorary lead pallbearer will be Liam Roach.

To leave your condolences for the family of Tristan M. Garcia Jr., share your memories, or visit his tribute wall, please visit www.trevinofuneralhome.net.