MIKE ANDREW GARCIA
June 4, 1949 – Dec. 31, 2022
Mike Garcia, a ge 7 3, went to be with the Lord on t he morning o f December 3 1, 2 022. M ike Andrew Garcia was born on J une 4, 1 949, in Holtville, California.
The o ldest son of a large family, Mike was always d etermined to achieve the things he set his mind to. At the early age of eight, he began to sweep the sidewalks of local stores to earn extra money for the clothing and gifts he w anted to provide for himself and his family. L ater in his youth, he went to work with h is d ad, a tractor foreman; this is where his love f or f arming b egan. As he grew o lder, Mike found he h ad a thletic prowess in b oth high school football and wrestling. H e achieved accolades in both sports, the most n otable o f which was that h e received t he F ootball Southern S ection CIF Award in 1967.
After school, Mike took his interest in agriculture and began his fifty plus year f arming c areer, starting as a f oreman for Vessey and Co. With his strong w ork ethic and passion for his crops, he soon b ecame the ranch manager at V essey and Co. This is where he met his wife, Betty Chimits, and they l ater e xpanded his family. M ike later moved the family to Lemoore, C alifornia, to advance his farming career with Bruce Church. In 2001, Mike was able to achieve his ultimate dream and became t he owner of his own ranch, Garcia and Church, LLC. In his later years, he was fortunate enough to retire and start his new adventure, w atching his family a nd g randkids grow.
For all those that knew Mike, we k now that we do not mourn him today, but we celebrate the life and legacy he has left behind, and we know he has reached far greater things now than t his world holds. He was a devout follower of Jesus, always reminding those around him that God was g ood all the time. Watching him humbly s erve t he Lord with his hands and heart inspired many. He was strong a nd c harismatic, with a v ibrant taste for food a nd l ife, making friends wherever he went.
Mike Garcia was a loving husband, brother, and son; a caring, r eliable father, a wonderful friend, and a strong presence in his farming, church, and overall community.
He was preceded in death by h is f ather, Armando Garcia, and
He was preceded in death by h is f ather, Armando Garcia, and nephew, Garrett Garcia.
Mike is s urvived and deeply missed by his loving wife, Betty ( Chimits) Garcia, of 4 1 years, a nd his children, Lisa De Masters, Jennifer Proctor, Audra Coelho, and Katlyn Garcia.
Forever cherished and remembered by his mother, Ruby (Macliz) Garcia; sister, Beatrice S parlin, and husband, Victor; sister, S ylvia McClain, and husband, B ob; sister, Becky Garcia; sister, Marlene B orchard, a nd h usband, J ames; brother, Ernie Garcia; and sister, Regina R odrigues, and husband, John.
His memory l ives on through his 8 grandchildren, 1 great-grandchild, and his numerous nieces and nephews.
Public viewing will be held a t Phipps-Dale Funeral Chapel in Lemoore, CA, on January 11, 2 023, from 5-7 p.m. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Nazarene Church in Lemoore, CA, on January 12, 2023, at 10 a.m.