Phillip T. Garcia

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Garcia Phillip T. "Pepo" Garcia Sr., 12/21/33 to 8/20/05. Longtime resident of St. Paul's Westside. Preceded in death by son, Phillip Jr.; and the love of his life, his precious Mary. Our comfort comes that they are together once again. Irreplaceable father to daughter, Lisa (Terry) Granlund of Woodbury; sons, Richard (Jan) of Northfield and Robert (Robin) of Woodbury. Papa to Carrie, Ryan, Jeremiah, Jessica, Paloma, Amber, Jared, and Maia; brother to surviving siblings, Cuca, Alice and Rudy; uncle to many and Friend to everyone. He proudly served in the Korean War on the frontlines at the 38th parallel with the First Calvary 8th Regiment and was awarded a Purple Heart. He was an active member of the Purple Heart Veterans Assoc., Korean War Veterans Chapel 1 Atomic Veterans Assoc., VFW Post Mendota, Fort Snelling Rifle Squad, AM VETS Mexican American Post #5 and First Cav Members of the MN. We are so proud that Papa was chosen to model as the lone soldier in the MN Korean War Monument on the Capital grounds and are amazed and thankful for the artists ability of capturing him so perfectly. Words can't express our sadness or what he meant to us. He will always hold a special place in our hearts that only he can fill as a respected husband, father, papa, brother, uncle, friend and hero. Everyone turned to him and he was always there and willing to help. We will sorely miss his unique perspective, daily phone calls, jokes, visits, stories, hugs and warmth he freely gave to us. DQ will never taste the same. Celebration of Life 10 AM Wednesday (TODAY), Woodbury Baptist Church, 6695 Upper Afton Rd., Woodbury, MN, with visitation one hour prior to the service. Interment Fort Snelling National Cemetery. West Funeral Home 651-457-6200

Published on August 24, 2005