Jose "Joe" Louis Garcia

Jose “Joe” Luis Garcia was born on October 22, 1959, in Abilene, Tx. He was the third child of Juan and Manuela Garcia of Woodstock, Illinois. The family lived on a ranch in Talpa, Texas. In the Spring of 1960, the family moved to the Circle N Dairy in LaVernia, Texas, where he spent most of his childhood years. In 1970 the family moved to Woodstock, Illinois. He excelled in Track and Field, primarily Cross Country, then graduated in 1978. He moved to Houston, Texas in 1980 to start following his own road.

It was there he was to meet lifelong friends and his future wife, Nellie, almost 34 years ago. It was his unwavering exuberance and fun-loving disposition that kept them smiling and laughing throughout those years. Joe loved life with unapologetic enthusiasm. and always brought with him laughter, energy, and excitement. There was never a stranger that he did not treat as a friend.

Joe worked as a Stihl Technician for Ace Hardware in Giddings, Texas and Parker Lumber in Elgin, Texas. Joe took pride in his work and enjoyed meeting new customers and co-workers that he would later call friends.

Joe loved spending time with family and friends, golf, sports, Texas, and having a good time. Joe was a man who took joy in everything he did, especially when it came to grilling out. Joe took pride in preparing each meal with meticulous detail and had a unique way of making each meal a memorable one. Whether it was a simple barbecue for a weekend of watching sports, or a more elaborate feast for special occasions, he poured his heart into every dish.

Joe was preceded in death by his maternal and paternal grandparents.

Joe is survived by his loving wife Nellie, parents; Manuela and Juan of Woodstock, Illinois. His brother John (Carol) of McDade, Texas, sister Maria Cuchna of Cary, Illinois, brother Manny of Woodstock, Illinois, brother Gilbert of San Francisco, California, brother Ray (Cindy) of Hawthorne, California, brother Mario (Olga) of Woodstock, Illinois, sister Patricia (Jeff) of Woodstock, Illinois, and Jesse of Fairfield, California, 16 nieces and nephews and a wide circle of friends too numerous to count.

We will miss Joe’s laughter, his warmth, and the love that he always brought with him when he walked in a room. Joe leaves behind a legacy of delicious food, cherished memories, laughter, and a heart full of love. Today we say, “Good-bye,” to a son, husband, brother, and friend, until the next tomorrow.

Family and friends will gather for a memorial service on Friday, June 27, 2025 at 3:00 PM at Elgin Funeral Home with John "Yuma" Brannen presiding.