Donald P. (Don) Garcia |
| Posted 2014-11-25 by Sharla |
| The White Mountain Independent, Show Low, Arizona ~ 11/25/2014 Donald P. Garcia, 85, resident of Snowflake, died Sept. 29, 2014, in Snowflake surrounded by his loving family. He was born April 4, 1929, in Pierre, S.D., and grew up in Moline, Ill. At 17, he set his sights on joining the U.S. Navy during World War II and began his military career as a machinist mate in 1946. His service spanned from the tail end of World War II to Korea, as well as three tours of Vietnam. He spent most of his naval career based in Yokosuka, Japan and San Diego, Calif., where he retired after 30 years of service as a master chief petty officer. Retirement proved to be too boring for Don and he soon found himself working at National Steel and Shipbuilding Company as an inspector, then moving on to work for the City of Lemon Grove in maintenance. He is survived by his wife, Yoko; daughter Christina; sons Joe, Tony and Carlos; sister Mary; brothers Dick, Gary, Dean and Robert; and numerous grandchildren. As an avid fisherman, Don found time to also become a licensed commercial fisherman doing what he loved. Don was also an accomplished carpenter and loved the challenge of building a room addition and ultimately his retirement home. Finally ready for retirement, he and Yoko transplanted themselves to the quiet community of Snowflake, where he enjoyed owning his own land and tending to it. Not quite ready to relax, he volunteered with the Disabled American Veterans as a driver and transported disabled veterans to and from the VA in Phoenix. Don had a passion for baseball and football and always found time to watch his Diamondbacks and Cardinals play. Donald served his country in the U.S. Navy and was retired. He has lived in Snowflake for 23 years. Don will be interred with full honors Dec. 8 at the National Cemetery in Miramar. “Fair winds and following seas, Dad.” See Also: Find A Grave |
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