Eli Henry Garcia, age 71 died Wednesday, October 14, 2015 in Amarillo, Texas.
Rosary will be recited at 7:00 P.M. on Monday, October 19 by Ray Maestas and Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, October 20 at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Clayton with Fr. Joel Bugas as Celebrant. Burial will follow in the Clayton Memorial Cemetery by Hass Funeral Directors of Clayton.
Eli Henry Garcia was born on August 25, 1944 in Sampson, New Mexico to Ferdinand and Emilia (Rivera) Garcia. Eli graduated from Clayton High School in 1962 and attended New Mexico State University. Eli worked at KLMX radio in Clayton and broadcasted numerous high school football, basketball and baseball games. Eli served Clayton as a city councilman, elected in 1878, and was named City Manager in 1980, a position he held for 7 years. Eli then began a career with the post office, and retired as Post Master in Des Moines, New Mexico on July 1, 2014. Eli enjoyed the outdoors, and loved being outside. He was an avid gardener and enjoyed taking care of animals. He also enjoyed hunting trips with his family. With his positive spirit, Eli had a knack for putting smiles on the faces of those he met. He was a gentle, loving man. He will be missed by all. Eli was preceded in death by his parents, a brother-in-law; Don George, a sister-in-law; Dora Garcia and a grandson; Trevor Porter.
SURVIVORS:
WIFE: Ann Garcia of Grenville, New Mexico.
3 DAUGHTERS: Kimberly Vasquez and her husband Jorge of Amarillo, Texas, Bridget Maestas of Penasco, New Mexico and Ray Maestas of Clayton, New Mexico and Farah Sandoval and her husband Joseph of Dumas, Texas.
4 SONS: Jeff Porter and his wife Sandy of Amarillo, Texas, David Porter and his wife Shanna of Las Cruces, New Mexico, Steve Porter and his wife Tasha of Abiline, Texas and Bruce Porter and his wife Kathy of Canyon, Texas.
21 Grandchildren, 11 Great-Grandchildren
2 SISTERS: Beatrice George of Lakin, Kansas and Leonora Howell and her husband James of Sampson, New Mexico.
4 BROTHERS: Ferdinand Garcia and his wife Kay and Jerry Garcia and his wife Cleo all of Clayton, New Mexico, John Garcia and his wife Sandra of Sampson, New Mexico and Leon Garcia and his wife Antoinette of Rio Rancho, New Mexico.
