Leo L. Garcia Jr.

Leo Garcia died at home on November 23, 2023, at the age of 91 after a lengthy battle with dementia.
Leo was born December 17, 1931, in Raton, New Mexico, to Leopoldo and Natividad (Chavez) Garcia. As a young boy his family moved from Raton to Fort Collins, Colorado, and later to Cheyenne where he remained until his death.
He was a proud graduate and alumnus of St. Mary's Catholic School, Class of 1950. After graduation, Leo continued his studies at St. Thomas Seminary in Denver, Colorado, for seven years, leaving prior to ordination. He moved back to Cheyenne and in 1959 met the love of his life, Doris Frausto, at the roller-skating rink. Leo and Doris were married on May 13, 1961, during the blizzard of '61. He was the local Business Manager for the Laborer's Union Local #1271 for 28 years retiring in 1988. After retirement, he was appointed and then elected to serve in the Wyoming House of Representatives from 1995-1998.
Faith and family were most important to Leo. He was a life-long member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church until later in life he became a member of St. Mary's Cathedral. Leo and Doris instilled the same values for their three daughters. He was a wonderful provider, spouse and father and a gentle soul who was very understanding whether engaging with family, friends or co-workers.
Leo was an avid reader. He spent hours in a day reading the dictionary, Bible and newspapers in English, Spanish and Latin. You could ask him any word and he would be able to tell you the meaning and its origin. He was very gifted and could engage in conversation with the best. Later in life he spent time with his grandchildren, worked in his yard, tended to his tomato plants and loved sitting outside enjoying the beauty of Wyoming.
Leo is survived by his wife of 62 years, Doris, his three daughters, Cathy (Travis) Lenz, Suzi (Waseem) Khawaja and Meri Garcia. He is also survived by his grandchildren the Reverend Clark Lenz, Taylor (Cory) Schroeder, Chandler (Jeff) Meredith, Zain Khawaja, Pilar Khawaja, great granddaughter, Martha Schroeder and step-great grandsons Gavin and Gabe Meredith. Also surviving Leo is his sister Ernestine Chandler, brother George (Sharon) Garcia and sister-in-law Daisy Garcia, numerous in-laws and nieces and nephews.
Leo was preceded in death by his parents, brother Rudy Garcia, brother-in-law Allen Chandler and son-in-law Christopher McQuade.
Viewing is Sunday, December 3, 2023, from Noon to 4:00 pm at Wiederspahn-Radomsky Chapel.
Vigil for the deceased will be at 4:00 pm following the viewing.
Mass of Christian burial will be held Monday, December 4, 2023, at 10:00 am at the Cathedral of St. Mary and will be livestreamed on the St. Mary's Cathedral website.
A reception will immediately follow at Hartman Hall.
Memorials may be sent to the Retired Clergy of the Diocese of Cheyenne in care of St. Joseph's Society, PO Box 1468, Cheyenne, WY 82003.