Obituary of Carlos Antonio Garcia

Obituary for Carlos "Charlie" Garcia, 1958 - 2023

Carlos Garcia, known to all simply as Charlie, was born in April 1958, in Blackwell, Oklahoma, to Cleta Garcia of Oklahoma and Antonio Garcia of New Mexico.  His parents met in the Air Force while both were stationed in Japan and married soon thereafter. 

His mother found it difficult to raise him on her own while his father was stationed elsewhere in the world and for a period of time his Aunt and Uncle took him under their wing and continued to love and care about him throughout his life.  His mother placed him permanently with a caring, older couple whom he referred to as Grandma and Grandpa as his father faded forever from his life.

Charlie had a wonderful childhood with many friends and school chums and often spoke of memories of his youth in Blackwell.  He especially enjoyed participating in sports and played shortstop in a winning Little League team and while in high school made varsity on the baseball, football and basketball teams.  He was active in school in many ways and returned for many years on the five-year interval homecomings and re-connected with many of his old friends.  

He went on to attend Oklahoma State University and remained a loyal supporter of the school.  Upon leaving OSU, his only child, a daughter, was soon born.

He found a job that took him to live in South Dakota and eventually transferred him to Tucson, Arizona.  Not too long after leaving that employer he found a position at AGM Container Controls and remained there for approximately thirty-five years and retired early only because of his illness.  A remarkable feat was in all those years Charlie was never even once late for work nor did he miss a single day until he became ill.  He received many achievement awards throughout the years including once being Employee of the Year.

To know Charlie even a little was to know he was an avid sports fan though baseball was always where his heart truly was.  He was almost encyclopedic in baseball knowledge and trivia and exceptional in general sports knowledge.  

Charlie had many wonderful attributes but the last one to mention here was his quick wit and sense of humor.  You couldn't help but enjoy his company and know you'd be smiling and laughing.

Charlie leaves behind his loving wife, Fran, of twenty-seven years.  Their love for one another was profound and enduring.  She was at his side and comforting him when he left this world. 

He also leaves behind his daughter, Valerie Garcia (Michael Parsons) of Oklahoma, grandsons Michael Melott  and Davis Radant both of Oklahoma and his Aunt, Mary Black, of Texas. as well as a host of wonderful friends who cared about him deeply.

There are things in life we don't want to happen, but have to accept; Things we don't want to know, but have to learn;  People we can't live without but have to let go.   So much of me is because of you.  I will miss you every minute of every day and you will forever be with me in my heart.