Eleuterio M. Garcia, of Poteet, Texas passed away on Wednesday, September 22, 2021 at the age of 95 years old. After months of failing health, he died peacefully in his home with his family by his side.

Eleuterio was born February 20, 1926 in Leming, Texas to Miguel and Manuela (McCumber) Garcia. This is where he would grow up as a child.

As a very young man, he learned a great work ethic as a field worker with his parents and siblings.  It was soon after this that he met the love of his life, Dolores.  They lived together inseparable for over 75 years and raised seven children.

In 1950, they moved to California for work with their oldest son. Eleuterio began his trade as a carpenter at a furniture company building a variety of furniture pieces.

After about 10 years, Eleuterio and Dolores made their way to Poteet, Texas, now with six children in tow, to be closer to family.  There, he worked on the Shearrer Farm. He later went to work at McDonough for 8 years and this is where he would retire from.

After retirement, Eleuterio would become a prominent citizen  of the small town community as he dedicated his time and efforts to many causes.  He became a member of the fire department where he served as the fire chief from 1982-1990.  Soon after, he was elected and served as a Poteet City Council member from 1990-2005. While serving as fire chief and the city council, Eleuterio was also a board member of the Poteet Strawberry Festival Association for more than 15 years. As a faithful Catholic,  he also volunteered his talents and trades to St. Philip Benizi Catholic Church and was a member of the Knights of Columbus there.

Eleuterio loved to listen to music and sing.  If you listened carefully as the family sang Las Mañanitas, a Garcia birthday tradition, you could hear his voice sweetly harmonize with the others.  He also was a big fan of dancing.  You could always find him on the dance floor and when he wasn't, he was dancing from his chair.  Eleuterio enjoyed watching western movies and sports.  Most of all, Eleuterio loved making those around him smile.  He was known for his humor, something that never went away with time. He was quick to tell a joke, add a punchline, or do or say something silly to make you laugh.

Eleuterio's family was his pride and joy. He loved spending time with them at family get-togethers such as barbeques, parties, and holiday gatherings. He would speak about them all the time and was proud of all their accomplishments.

He was a strong patriarch of his family: a devoted husband who provided for his wife,  a good father who raised his children with discipline and high values,  a loving grandfather, great-grandfather, and great-great grandfather who inspired kindness, generosity, and leadership.

Eleuterio's kind heart and spirit never wavered. In his final days of life, he continued to be the man all loved and admired.  He leaves behind a legacy of service, strength, character, integrity, and love.  He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Miguel and Manuela Garcia; sons, Eleuterio Garcia Jr., Domingo Garcia, and Jose Gilbert Garcia; brothers, Manuel Garcia, Miguel Garcia, Daniel Garcia, Jose Garcia, Roberto Garcia; sisters, Santa Espinosa, Ricarda Wilborn, Suzie Huizar, and Virginia Garcia; and grandsons, Miguel Antonio Garcia and Joshua Garcia; granddaughter Leticia Garcia.

Eleuterio is survived by his wife of 75 years, Dolores H. Garcia; sons and daughters, Henry H. and wife Helen of Poteet, Guadalupe H. and wife Juanita of Poteet, Roy H. and wife Isabel of Bigfoot, Susie G. Charles and husband Richard of Converse, Stevan E. and wife Linda of Poteet, Martha D. Contreras and husband Jesse of Poteet, and Sammy H. and wife Edna of Pleasanton; brother Rogelio Garcia and wife Eloisa and sister Juanita Huizar and husband Senon, Sr of San Antonio; twenty-one grandchildren; thirty-seven great grandchildren; nine great-great grandchildren.

Visitation will be conducted at St. Philip Benizi Catholic Church at 276 Avenue H in Poteet on Friday, October 1, 2021, from 2:00 pm to 9:00 pm with a rosary recited at 7:00 pm.  Funeral mass to be celebrated Saturday, October 2, 2021, at 10:00 am at St. Philip Benizi Catholic Church followed by interment at the Madre Dolorosa Cemetery #2. Pallbearers will be Henry Garcia, Jr., Christopher Flores, Diego Garcia, Christian Contreras, John Paul Garcia, Giancarlo Garcia, and Louis Garcia.

Masks will be required for all services.

For anyone wishing to leave condolences for the family, share memories or sign the online guestbook you may do so at www.hurleyfuneralhome.com .