Lloyd Garcia

Lloyd M. Garcia, a cherished husband, father, Po, brother, uncle, cousin, teacher, coach, and friend passed away peacefully on July 11, 2025, surrounded by his loving family, after a long fought battle with pancreatic cancer. He was born in Center, Colorado on June 20, 1954 to Tom A. and Loyda Garcia. Lloyd lived his life serving others. As a teacher and coach, Lloyd inspired many generations of students and athletes over a 38 year span for Center Schools. After flunking retirement, Lloyd returned to school serving as both a substitute teacher and member of the Center School Board for an additional 10 years. In addition, Lloyd served as a board member for the Center Fire Department. He was also a proud member of the Knights of Columbus and Elks Lodge. In recognition of his service as a teacher and coach, Lloyd received many accolades including the 1997 Governor’s Award for Excellence in Education, induction into the Adams State University Educators Hall of Fame, the Colorado Dugout Club Coaches Association Hall of Fame, and the Center High School Athletic Hall of Fame. In addition, the Center High School baseball field was renamed in his honor in 2015. However, if you asked Lloyd, he would have said, his greatest gift was his family. Lloyd is survived by the love of his life, his wife of 50 years, Lillian Garcia. Together they built their family including their son, Lloyd John (Michelle) Garcia and daughter Melissa (Isaac) Busolo. Lloyd will be dearly missed by his beloved grandchildren, Arazeliz, Kaleigha, Jessa, Isaac Isaiah, and Isabela Grace. Lloyd was born into a big family. He leaves behind his brothers Tom D., Gary, and Fred (Teresa) Garcia, brother in-law Jim Sierra, and sisters Jenny (Duane) Valdez, Renee (Josue) Olmos, Marie (Ray) Ulibarri, and Brenda (Dan) Martinez, numerous nephews, nieces, and godchildren. He is also survived by his uncle Pete (Monica) Garcia. Additionally, he is survived by his brother in-laws Joe L. (Faye) Arellano, Arthur (Jeanette “Nena”) Arellano, and Charles (Marleen) Arellano.Lloyd was preceded in death by his parents, his in-laws Buddy and Fidella Arellano, his sisters, Yvonne Garcia and Shirley Sierra and sister in-laws, Debbie Garcia and Lucille Garcia, nephew Jared Valdez, and grandchild Jordan Justice Busolo. A Vigil and Rosary service will be held on Thursday, July 17th, at 6 PM at St. Francis Jerome Catholic Church in Center, Colorado. The funeral Mass will be held in the Center Schools Gymnasium on Friday, July 18th at 10 AM. Burial will follow at the La Garita Cemetery. A meal will be served after the burial at Center Schools Commons (cafeteria). We ask that you wear royal blue and white in honor of my dad. To leave online condolences please visit: romerofuneralhomes.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Romero Valley Funeral Home of Alamosa. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to the SLV Health Oncology/Infusion Center in Alamosa, Colorado

Lloyd Garcia

June 20, 1954 - July 11, 2025