Geraldo Garcia
( February 14, 1940 – July 07, 2023 )
Geraldo (pronounced Heraldo) Valentine (Banjo) Garcia was born outside of La Junta, Colorado on February 14, 1940. He was the ninth child of fourteen, born to Simon and Vicenta Garcia. He passed peacefully surrounded by his family at MCMC Hospital in Raton on July 7, 2023.
Banjo won several high school wrestling tournaments when he attended high school in La Junta Colorado. He left high school to work on ranches. On his days off from work he would ride bulls and saddle broncs in rodeos. He rode in the rodeos in Colorado, Wyoming, Texas, NM, Mass, Louisiana, and many other places. They called him “Ride ’em Bull”. Banjo was needed at home to help support his family. He joined the National Guard in 1957. Then he enlisted into the Army in 1959 and served until 1963. During his service, he served in Panama and Vietnam.
Banjo had many nicknames: Gene, Tino, Cheii (Grandfather in Navajo), Banjo, and most importantly GramPO Banjo.
Banjo Garcia met and married Elaine in 1974. He brought 2 children to the marriage whom they raised together: Lita born: in 1966 and Simon born: in 1967. Banjo and Elaine had one son together: Justin born: in 1977. Elaine had 1 son: Gary born in 1969, who was adopted by Banjo when they married.
Banjo worked in the Allen Mine in Weston, Colorado and the Kaiser Mine in Raton, New Mexico he also worked in the MollyCorp mine in Questa, New Mexico. He worked in the mines for several years until health factors prohibited him from continuing his work there.
Banjo believed in preserving the Wild West traditions. He was a professional rodeo clown for a time and traveled all over the country with his Chuck Wagon sharing his food and recipes with all. He even had an exhibit at the Smithsonian in Washington, DC, and an interview with Willard Scott on the Today Show. He was proud to be part of the Cowboy’s Turtle Association and Cowboys for Christ.
In retirement, Banjo and Elaine relocated to Cimarron, New Mexico to be near their children and their families. His favorite pastimes were roadside selling, going to flea markets, talking with friends and strangers, spoiling his other children (poodles- Mimi and Comotu), and spending time with his grandchildren.
Banjo is survived by: his brothers; Rod (Rose) Garcia, Walsenburg, Co, Phil (Judith) Garcia, Littleton, CO; his sisters; Gerrie (Robert) Lopez, Raymore, MO; Liz Shull, Weston, CO; his daughter, Lita (Andrew) Sanchez, Cimarron, NM; his sons, Simon (Ophelia) Garcia, Philippines; Gary (Krysta) Garcia, Lakewood, CO; Justin Garcia (Annette Gates), Santa Fe, NM; 4 granddaughters; 3 grandsons; 7 great-granddaughters; and 2 great-grandsons.
He was preceded in death by his parents; Simon and Vicenta, his wife, Elaine, brothers; Tony, Lepo, Sam, and, George, sisters; Theresa, Frances, Cecilia, Mary, and Ruby, and son Teddy.
Banjo was gifted with a kind heart and always helped those in need. He had a loving supportive family who will miss him deeply.
Services will be held on Friday, July 28th at 1:00 pm at the Sister Hildegard Parish Hall in Cimarron, NM. with Pastor Snider Officiating. Inurnment to follow at Mountain View Cemetery in Cimarron, NM.
Arrangements for Geraldo Valentine (Banjo) Garcia are under the direction of the Alderette-Pomeroy Funeral Home.
Banjo’s family would like to express its sincerest appreciation to the entire staff at MCMC Hospital for the kindness, compassion, and professionalism they showed to Geraldo and his family during his final days.
