Leroy Donald Garcia

Leroy Garcia, age 77, a resident of Tierra Amarilla, NM passed away unexpectedly on August 28, 2025.

Born on July 1, 1948, in Tierra Amarilla, NM, to Mabel and Raymundo Garcia, Leroy spent his life deeply rooted in Northern New Mexico. The mountains in Las Nutrias became his sanctuary—a place where he felt most at home. He spent countless hours outdoors hunting, riding his RZR, or searching for antler sheds, his favorite pastime. Surrounded by wide-open skies and the quiet treasures of nature, Leroy found his greatest peace.

A hardworking man, Leroy made his living as a wood vendor before founding LG Trucking, which he proudly owned and operated until his passing. He valued solitude and the simple joys of life, which he shared with his beloved wife, Theresa Garcia, and his huskies Ojo, Abby and french bulldog, Que Que. His wife was his greatest companion spending their later years side by side in the semi, hauling gravel from morning until sundown.

Among his grandchildren, Leroy shared a particularly special connection with his grandson Andrew, whose presence brought him immeasurable joy. Their time together was loving, warm, and trusting. Andrew awakened a spark of youth in him, as he rediscovered joy in the simplest things through Andrew’s eyes. In this relationship, wisdom meet determination and perseverance, and Leroy was reminded that growing old did not mean forgetting how to play.

Those who knew Leroy will remember his unmistakable charm and wit. He was artistic. A man of creativity, with a gift for writing whose words seemed to flow effortlessly yet carried the weight of careful thought and deep understanding, always leaving a lasting impression. Paired with his quick humor, he brought laughter and warmth to every conversation. His children and grandchildren will forever cherish the way he greeted them, always with a warm and familiar, “What’s up, kiddo.”

Leroy was a man of few words but deep convictions. He lived by principles of simplicity, respect for the land, and appreciation for the beauty of the mountains he loved so dearly.

Leroy was preceded in death by his great-grandparents, Nabor and Ruben Garcia; his parents, Raymundo and Mabel Garcia; his siblings, Baby Boy Garcia, Phillip Garcia, Raymundo Garcia, and Joyce Garcia; and his nephews, Stanley Trujillo, Richard Trujillo, Lawrence Garcia, Joseph Garcia, Javier (Felipe) Manzanares, and Kaleb Prokupek.

Leroy is survived by his wife, Theresa Garcia, of 56 years; his children, Loretta Garcia, Pancha Garcia-Quintana (Delfin Quintana), Mabel Garcia, and Phillip Garcia; his grandchildren, Andrew Sala, Kiki Garcia-Rael, Karrizma Garcia-Rael, Jacob Rael, Jasmine Quintana, Lauren Quintana (Nathan Cordova), Angelica Quintana (Juan Aguino), Gabriel Quintana (Miranda Montoya), Kaylee Sala, Anelisia Sala, and Raymundo Sala. He also leaves behind his great-grandchildren Jaydalynn Griego, Zander Cordova, Luca Cordova, Xavier Aguino, Carson Quintana, and Mateo Quintana, along with a large extended family who will forever miss his presence.

A private viewing will be held for immediate and extended family on September 11, 2025, from 6:00pm to 7:00pm followed by a public viewing and rosary, from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Rivera Family Funerals & Cremations in Española. In accordance with his wishes, Leroy will be cremated. At a later date, his friends and family will honor his memory with a public Mass in Tierra Amarilla, followed by the scattering of his ashes in Las Nutrias—a place that held his heart. Details regarding the mass and the scattering of his ashes will be announced at a later date. Services for Leroy are lovingly attended to by the caring professionals of Rivera Family Funeral Home in Española.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made to the Rio Grande Down Syndrome Network, a cause close to Leroy’s heart and one he proudly supported. This organization reflects his deep love and advocacy for individuals with Down syndrome, especially the special bond he shared with his grandson Andrew.

The Garcia family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to everyone for the donations, kind words, and prayers during this difficult time. Your love and support have brought comfort and strength and will never be forgotten.