Long time proud 'Citizen of the Year' Norman Lee Garcia passes away

He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He is preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Palmira (Polly) Garcia.

He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Jo Ann, son Brett Garcia, wife Teresa, daughter Brenda Johnson, and husband Craig. Along with his five grandchildren: Brittany Bettencourt, husband Tony; Christa Harper, husband Thomas; Anthony Garcia, wife Jenna, Tanner Johnson, wife Saige; and Karlee Johnson. Followed by the apples of his eyes, his great-grandchildren. Levi, Bodhi, Everly, Ryker, Talula, Jett, Saxton, and one more little girl on the way, Blakely. He also had many nieces, nephews, and godchildren.

He attended Lemoore Elementary, graduated from Lemoore High School in 1956, and finished his education, graduating from College of the Sequoias in 1958 with an associate degree in Building Trades. After graduating from College of the Sequoias, he worked for Valley Electric before enlisting in the United States Coast Guard in 1959 as a reserve. He enjoyed a career as an electrician with Valley Electric for 42 years while also serving with the Lemoore Volunteer Fire Department for 28 years. He also had the honor of serving as Chief for six of those years.

After his retirement, he spent the remaining years in his beloved Over the Hill Construction/Norms Woodshop, where he hand-crafted projects for family and friends. He never missed early morning coffee with his buddies in his shop. He received many awards throughout his life: Citizen of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, and was inducted into the Lemoore High School Hall of Fame.

He also devoted countless hours to Lemoore Little League, Lemoore High School, and Lemoore Senior Center. He was a devoted Catholic who served many hours at Saint Peter's Church and Mary Immaculate Queen School. His proudest accomplishment was having the title Papa. He will be forever missed and forever loved.

Viewing will occur November 20, 2023, at 6 p.m., followed by the Rosary at 6:30 p.m. at St. Peter Prince of Apostles Church. The funeral service will occur at St. Peters on November 21, 2023, at 11:30 a.m., followed by a graveside service at Lemoore Cemetery. The reception follows graveside services and will be at the Lemoore Volunteer Fire Department. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Mary Immaculate Queen School, 884 N Lemoore Ave, Lemoore, CA, in honor of Norman Lee Garcia.