Oscar D. Garcia

Oscar Donato Garcia, Sr (born August 7, 1925), a lifelong guardian of the Rio Grande and beloved son of Laredo, was called home to God on Good Friday, April 18, 2025, at the age of 99.

Born and raised in the heart of Laredo, Oscar left Martin High School in 1943 to serve his country in World War II. He fought bravely in Papua New Guinea and the Philippine Islands and returned home in January 1946, honored with a Honorable Service Lapel Button, Philippine Liberation Ribbon, Combat Infantryman Badge 1st Award, WWII Victory Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Purple Heart, and Bronze Star for his valor. In March 1951, he began a 41‑year career with the Laredo Bridge System—first as a toll collector on the old Convent Avenue bridge and rising to Director of Laredo Bridge System. He personally witnessed the floods of 1932 and 1954 that reshaped his hometown, and later oversaw the openings of three major crossings: International Bridge I (1957), the Juárez–Lincoln Bridge (1976), and the Colombia Solidarity Bridge (1991).

Above all, Oscar was a family man. He and his beloved wife, Maria Magdalena Martinez Garcia, raised three children, and were blessed with seven grandchildren and numerous great‑ and great‑great‑grandchildren, all in the home he loved. His kindness, quiet generosity, and steadfast faith touched every life he encountered—neighbors, colleagues, and friends alike.

He is preceded in death by his parents, José María and Paz Belén Garcia; his wife, Maria Magdalena Garcia; siblings Ramón E. Garcia and Evangelina Renteria; and his grandson Oscar Antonio “Tony” Martinez.

Survivors who will carry his memory forward include his children: Oscar D. Garcia Jr. (Rebecca); Annie Martinez (Rogelio); Betty Iniguez (Alfredo); grandchildren: Rogelio Martinez Jr.; Bernadette Martinez (Jacob Weikel); Carla Belen Martinez (Amando Garza, IV); Veronica Iniguez-Garcia (Kendal D. Essex); J. Alfredo Iniguez-Garcia; Elena “Nena” Garcia (Mark Martinez); great‑grandchildren: Andrea G. Weikel; Ilana M. Martinez (Christopher A. Leal); Maria M. Weikel; Jocelyn Weikel; Daysie Weikel; Oscar A. Martinez; Vincent M. Martinez; Andrew N. Martinez; Mila A. Garza; Amando T. Garza; Sara B. Garza; Andrés T. Garza; Sofía I. Essex; Luca G. Essex; great‑great‑grandchildren: Gabriella M. Cruz; Micaella X. Cruz; Ezekiel A. Leal; Jayden D. Leal.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, from 5:00 to 9:00 PM at Hillside Funerals & Cremations (310 W. Hillside Rd., Laredo, TX 78041), with a Rosary offered at 7:00 PM.

Funeral services will continue on Wednesday, April 23, departing the funeral home at 9:00 AM to San Martin de Porres Catholic Church, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 9:30 AM.

Rite of Committal and Interment will follow at Calvary Catholic Cemetery, with full Military Honors.

Pallbearers: Rogelio Martinez, Jr.; J. Alfredo Iniguez-Garcia; Mark A. Martinez; Jacob Weikel; Amando Garza, IV; Kendal D. Essex; Oscar A. Martinez; Christopher A. Leal.

Honorary Pallbearers: Oscar D. Garcia, Jr.; Rogelio Martinez; Alfredo Iniguez-Jimenez; Francisco R. Martinez, Jr.; Roberto Mendoza; Francisco Mendoza, Jr.

Oscar Donato Garcia, Sr was a faithful man, a loving father, and a devoted grandfather whose steadfast faith and boundless love remain our guiding light. May we honor his memory by living with the same grace, devotion, and generosity he so freely gave to us all.

You are invited to extend your condolences, share a story or memory with the family at www.hillsidefuneral.com