Modesto Garcia

Modesto "Coach Mo" Garcia, died peacefully at the age of 92 on April 25, 2021, in Brownsville, Texas, leaving a lasting legacy to his wife, children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and countless students and athletes in the South Texas region. He was a native of San Diego, Texas, born May 31, 1928, to Baudilio and Victoriana Garcia. Coach Mo or Coach Garcia, as many knew him lived a long and blessed life. Upon graduating from San Diego High School, he enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1946 and earned the World War II Victory Medal and Army of Occupation Medal Japan before receiving an Honorable Discharge in 1947. He went on to complete his post-secondary education starting at Del Mar College, where he played basketball then on to Laredo Junior College where he was an offensive guard for the football team, a new position for him. He then transferred to Southwest Texas State University where he earned All-Conference honors as offensive guard, graduating in 1954.

He coached for 35 years at San Diego High School, Rio Grande City High School, Robstown High School, Falfurrias High School, and ended his coaching career at Brownsville Homer Hanna High School where he retired in 1987. He began working with Economy Awards selling trophies and awards to area school districts which he enjoyed immensely being able to continue to stay involved with his coaching colleagues and the sports he loved. He did this until he was 85 years old.

He was elected to be a Director of the Texas High School Coaches Association from 1974 through 1977. In 1987, he was recognized by the Rio Grande Valley Coaches Association. In 1992, he was inducted into the Coastal Bend Coaches Association Hall of Fame, and in 1997, he was inducted into the Southwest Texas University Association Hall of Honor.

He was strong in his faith and taught his children and grandchildren to always be thankful for their blessings. His children and grandchildren remember saying their morning prayers with him every day on the way to school and counting all the birds they would see. He was a long standing member of St. Mary's Church in Brownsville and served on the Parish Council as well as on the church's finance committee where he counted weekly collections.

He is preceded in death by his father Baudilio, mother Victoriana, mother in law Margarita, stillborn son Santiago, grandson Tydie, son-in-law Frank (Cookie) Trevino, and brothers Santiago, Mauro, and Willie, and sister Maria.

He was married for 62 years to Maria Gloria Valerio Garcia and was the proud father of Sally Trevino of Falfurrias, Adrian (Catalina) of Brownsville, Arnold of Brownsville, Arturo (Monica) of Calallen, Stella Garcia of San Antonio, Margaret (Billy) Trinidad of Brownsville, and Maritza (Pablo Alfaro) Garcia of Brownsville, the brother of San Juana Soliz; as well as the proud grandfather and great grandfather to Tydieȶ, Joel, Adriel, Joshua, Mallorie, Santiago, Cris, Vinny, Celest, Meridy, Jaxon, Macy, Jules, Matthew, Alexandria, Ryan, Sarah, Trey, Nick, and Julissa. Many of his grandchildren called him "Papo" when attempts to call him Papa Mo failed. His family will remember him for his wit and sarcasm but mostly the confidence he instilled in them. His athletes will remember him for setting them on the right path.

Visitation will be held at 5:00 pm with a rosary at 7:00 pm on April 27, 2021 at St. Mary's Catholic Church. Funeral mass will be held at 10:00 am on April 28, 2021 at St. Mary's Catholic Church. Burial will follow at Rose Lawn Cemetery.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Delta Funeral Directors, family owned and operated, 956-542-2222.

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