Robert Andrew Garcia

Robert (Bob) Garcia was born in Fresno, California, to Lawrence and Evangeline Garcia. The family moved to the Bay Area in California. Robert attended Campbell High School and left school to join the WWII effort with the Merchant Marines. He served onboard two merchant ships, the James Oliver and the Sydney Short, during his time in the war before he returned home.

He met and married his wife of 52 years, Helena Baumgartner after returning home to Campbell, where he lived in the same house for 75 years.

Robert was fortunate to find Betty Timmons and shared his life with her for another 15 years of marriage.

Robert enjoyed a full time career as a plumber and 75 years of membership in the UA Local 393 Plumbers Union of San Jose. He had a lifetime love of all birds, especially his pigeons who he raced most of his life. Some of his pigeons were even drafted into service for WWII. He was very active in the San Jose pigeon racing club, winning many championship races over his career.

He was pre-deceased by his parents, both of his wives, his brothers, Bethuel, and Beryl, his twin sister, Beulah, and his son Roger.

Robert is survived by his daughter Marsha and Dave Markwalder of Colorado Springs, son Mark and Jan Garcia of Bakersfield, and daughter Lynn and Jerry VanLandingham of Colorado Springs; seven grandchildren Jewel, Chanelle, Starlene, Robert, Eric, Vicky and Amy; and ten great-grandchildren.

His love and devotion to his family was only surpassed by his love for the Lord, who has prepared a special place for Robert in Heaven.