Bernabe P. Garcia

Bernabe( Bernie) Paul Garcia was born June 11, 1929, to Benito and Marie Refugio Garcia in Emmett, Kansas. He was one of 12 children. He attended high school in Emmett where he excelled in several sports, especially track.He loved to run across the prairie. In his teens he worked for the Union Pacific Railroad. He also harvested wheat in central Kansas with German prisoners of war. He joined the Army Air Corp in 1947, and later transferred to the U.S. Air Force. He proudly served his country for over 21 years at various bases around the world. While stationed in Germany, he married Catherine Ursanic, who was also stationed in Germany with the Women's Air Force. They celebrated over 60 years of marriage. Together they raised three children After his retirement from the Air Force, he worked for several electronic companies. He helped develop the MK-48 torpedo and the Hellfire missile system. He was proud of his work on the Aqua weather satellite. At one time he was the only NASA approved solder inspector in the state of New Mexico. Bernie never met a stranger. He was always ready to lend a helping hand. He was an accomplished carpenter and electrician. He enjoyed the outdoors and was very active in the Boy Scouts. He served on the board of the Del Norte Gun Club in Rio Rancho. Those who called him friend knew they had a true friend for life. A very devout Catholic, he was a member of St.Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in Rio Rancho. Bernie is survived by his beloved spouse, Catherine Garcia of the home, daughters Madeline Garcia of Rio Rancho, and Antonia Reidy and family of Atlanta, Ga, and son, Ben Ursanic and family of Hobbs, NM, nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, and beloved brothers, Raymond(KS), Benedict and Patrick (CA) and sisters, Mary DeLao and Rita Garcia of California, as well as numerous nieces and nephews, all whom he loved very much. Daniels Family Funeral Services 4310 Sara Road SE Rio Rancho, NM 87124 505-892-9920