Juan Leopoldo Garcia

Hours before the sun rose on January 27, 2018, Juan Leopoldo 'Polo' Garcia completed his God-given mission on earth.  He passed peacefully in his sleep, patiently waiting until Bertha and Marc, who were by his side, closed their eyes momentarily; being considerate was just part of his nature. Born August 19, 1946 in Laredo, Texas, he was always someone who enjoyed the outdoors.  In 1966, he joined the US Army during the Vietnam War and was stationed in Okinawa, Japan, remembering that time fondly. In 1970, he married the love of his life, Bertha Plasencia-Garcia. He promised her that he'd love her "hasta la tumba," and he kept that promise.  In 1978, he was blessed with his greatest gift – the birth of his son Marco (Marc).  He often claimed being a father was his greatest achievement, and to those who knew him, it was.  He did it so seamlessly, so lovingly, so greatly.  Throughout Marc’s years in school he earned the nickname “The Polaroid Man” because he never missed the opportunity to support his son and snap a picture. In 2013, after living in Lubbock for 19 years, Polo and Bertha retired in Laredo, where they remained until he was called home.  Throughout his life he was known for his sense of humor, his willingness to help anyone, his compassion for animals, and his devotion to family.  He will be missed more than words can express. He is preceded in death by his parents Apolinar and Dolores Garcia; twin sister Maria Luisa Mata; and brother, Antonio Garcia. He is survived by his wife Bertha Garcia (Plasencia); son, Marco; son-in-law, William Batey; grandchildren Jesse and Naomi; sisters, Maria Elena (Ricardo) Cavazos and Rosario Garcia; brother Jesus Garcia, and numerous in-laws, nieces, and nephews. A rosary will be recited on Wednesday, January 31, 2018 at 7:00 p.m. in the Hillside Funeral Home Chapel. A visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. A funeral service will be held on Thursday, February 1, 2018 at 9:30 a.m. from Hillside Funeral Home to Christ the King Catholic Church.  A mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Military honors will be provided by the Fort Sam Houston Honor Guard and American Legion Post 59 Honor Guard. Interment will follow at the City of Laredo Cemetery. If you would like to sign the guestbook or send private condolences, you may do so at www.hillsidefuneral.com Arrangements are under the direction of Hillside Funeral Home, 310 Hillside Road.