Roll Call Tribute

Dr. Martin Enrique Garcia

June 8, 1940 - November 6, 2022

RAYMONDVILLE, TX. - Martin Enrique Garcia II (DVM), 82, died peacefully on Sunday, November 6, 2022, surrounded by his beloved wife and daughters.

Dr. Garcia, veterinarian, came from a distinguished line of ranchers, landowners and entrepreneurs. A descendent of Francisco Yturria, Martin always saw the beauty and value in the stewardship of the land and promoting the rich history of South Texas and importance of South Texas agriculture.

Martin was born in Brownsville, TX on June 8, 1940, to Martin (Tino) and Estela (Cueto) Garcia. He grew up in Brownsville with his parents and four siblings, Maria Estela, Isabel, Cecilia, and Michael. As devout Catholics they instilled the Catholic faith into Martin at an early age. Martin attended Saint Joseph Academy beginning in kindergarten and went on to graduate from SJA in 1957. He attended Texas A&M University in College Station and graduated as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 1962. While at A&M, he achieved academic and military honors and was asked his senior year to the prestigious Ross Volunteers of the Aggie Corp of Cadets. After A&M he was stationed in Panama in charge of the US Calvary horses and left the army with the rank of Captain. He married Celia Flores in 1965 and after various job offers including working for the USDA in New Zealand, they decided to settle on the family ranch in Kennedy County. He also farmed in Willacy County.

Celia and Martin had two daughters, Lilia and Alessandra, and made their home base at the ranch. They were members of Saint Anthony Catholic Church in Raymondville and raised their daughters in both Raymondville and Brownsville. Martin’s devotion to his family was exemplified in many ways, but one example was his commute from Raymondville to Brownsville often daily to ensure that his daughters had a Catholic education.

He opened the Raymondville Veterinary Clinic in 1965 and became a prominent member of Willacy and Kennedy Counties. He served as State Representative in 1972 in the 62nd Texas Legislature, and on the Texas Board of Medical Veterinary Examiners, serving as Vice-President during his tenure. He also served on various boards throughout the RGV. One of his most cherished activities in Raymondville was serving as the veterinarian for the Raymondville High School FFA program.

In 1972, he was voted onto the Magic Valley Electric Cooperative Board of Directors representing District 1. His MVEC tenure extended from 1972 until his death. In 2001 he was elected President of the MVEC and served it with distinction and honor. He served on the board for 50 years and was instrumental in guiding MVEC’s growth to becoming the 3rd largest REA co-op in Texas and the 22nd in the nation. He played a significant role in MVEC’s transition from one central office to the multiple offices and operations throughout the valley. His involvement in MVEC was one of his most loved and fulfilling aspects of his life.

Garcia was an experienced world traveler, having visited every continent except for Australia. Although he loved traveling and the adventures that came with it, nothing could beat watching Aggie football, especially when the Aggies won. He enjoyed his family and his ranchlands and appreciated all the beauty that makes up agriculture. “The land has always been my first love. It’s something I could never give up unless I had too.”

Always a thoughtful man, he is remembered for his big smile and generous heart. He loved movies, music and good stories. He was known for the best ghost stories and always said them with the innocent mischief of a little child. He touched many lives, not only his family but so many in the community and was known for his honesty, integrity and generosity. A handshake was a contract to him. As his family and friends have said, he was a Good Man.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Celia F. Garcia and his two daughters, Lilia of Raymondville and Alessandra (Elton Potts) of Atlanta, Georgia; his two grandchildren, Martin and Celia; his siblings, two sisters - Isabel (Robert) Vezzetti of Brownsville, Cecilia Schulz of Raymondville; one brother Michael (Analicia) Garcia of Brownsville and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family members.

He is preceded in death by his father, Martin (Tino); mother, Estela and sister, Maria Estela Garcia.

Recitation of the holy rosary is scheduled for 6 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 13 at Saint Anthony Catholic Church, 464 S. 1st Street, Raymondville, Texas 78580.

The Funeral Mass is scheduled for 2 p.m. Monday, Nov. 14 at the Immaculate Conception, 1218 E. Jefferson Street, Brownsville, Texas 78520. Committal services will follow the Funeral Mass at Buena Vista Burial Park, 5 McDavitt Boulevard, Brownsville.

Pallbearers are Elton Potts, Gleeson Van Riet, Mark Whitworth, Danny Whitworth, Art Guttersen and Shawn Guttersen.

Honorary Pallbearers are Michael Garcia, J.A. Garcia, Bob Vezzetti, Walter Russell, Keith Cox, Dr. George Vogt, Dr. Cesare Peraglie, Dr. Lievan Van Riet, Thomas Champion, Ed Lee Ayers, Danny Butler, Richard Butler, Fausto Yturria, Miguel Guerra, John Herrera and the Board of Directors of the Magic Valley Electric Co-op.

In lieu of flowers, make donations to St. Anthony Catholic Church in Raymondville or to St. Joseph's Academy in Brownsville, Texas.

Memories of Dr. Garcia may be shared at darlingmouser.com