Leon Garcia, Jr.

A memorial service for Leon Garcia Jr., 58, of Lawrence will be held on Thursday, January 8, 2015 at 2 p.m. at Warren-McElwain Mortuary in Lawrence. Private family inurnment will be held following the service. He passed away January 4, 2015, at Midland Care Hospice House, Topeka, KS.

He was born August 15, 1956, in Lawrence, KS, to Leon Garcia Sr. and Erminia Garcia.

Leon worked at the University of Kansas as a maintenance supervisor.

He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, golfing with his cousin Tom Garcia III, and playing music in different bands through the years where they would travel the U.S. and play on cruise ships.

Leon is preceded in death by; his parents, stepfather, Ralph Gauna, and two nephews, Jeff L. and Brian M. Garcia.

Leon is survived by: son; Michael (Lana) Garcia and their children, Addeline and Lawson, daughter; Malena (Mathius) Wopsock, and their children, Seth, Maizee, Kat-Lee and Redstone, all of Lawrence, sisters; Margaret (Sonny) Garcia, Lawrence, Lorie Hernandez, Topeka, Irene Garcia of the home, Nancy (Lewis) Lawson, Topeka, Felicia (Michael) Miller, Overland Park, numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Midland Care Hospice House, 200 SW Fraizer Circle, Topeka, KS 66606, and may be sent in care of the mortuary.

15 Condolences

  1. Nancy Smith on January 5, 2015 at 5:46 pm

    Thank you for being a friend, Leon. RIP
    My sympathy to all of Leon’s awesome family. He often spoke of you all and enjoyed all of you. It was always obvious how much he loved his family. Find comfort in your many memories.



  2. Allen Johnson on January 5, 2015 at 6:33 pm

    Will miss your smile and friendship since Jr High. Rest in peace my friend. Prayers to the family for your loss.



  3. Sarah Campbell on January 5, 2015 at 6:47 pm

    I worked with Leon at KU, and he was always kind and helpful to others.



  4. Janet (McKenzie) Breithaupt on January 5, 2015 at 7:30 pm

    My thoughts and prayers go out to Leon’s family. Leon and I were friends throughout our school years! His smile was one of a kind! Leon was happy all the time. He was a gentle soul! He will be missed!



  5. Jeff Nelson on January 5, 2015 at 9:04 pm

    A fine drummer/singer and a dear friend. It was a pleasure to share a stage with you my friend. Thankyou for all you taught me about being a true musician. God speed brother. J.



  6. Theresa A Gauna on January 5, 2015 at 9:06 pm

    Irene and family I feel the family loss in Leon passing. I want to say thank you Irene for all you have done in the years with Ralph and your Mother, most of the years you care for Leon. You have always been a care giver. God blessing will be with you all ways. You girls all gave in your own ways. Tony and I were more around with Ralph and Ermie. Got to see more of Irene and Leon. Thanks for being a part of our lives, there many memories . Wishing they were all back with us. Love Aunt Theresa and Uncle Tony



  7. Sean Williams on January 5, 2015 at 9:09 pm

    I still tell stories of spending the night with you and getting in trouble for wading in the Kaw River — peace to you and love to all your family.



  8. Tye Murphy on January 6, 2015 at 12:19 pm

    I always enjoyed my time with you Leon! So sorry to see you go. You were a great uncle in law and will be missed. I’m sure you are joining a band in heaven right now! Rest in piece my friend.



  9. michele (Garrett) simpson on January 6, 2015 at 8:05 pm

    Irene & family: I met Leon when I was about 12 at the skating rink and knew him throughout school. I always saw him out & about mostly playing in a band somewhere or at someone in your family’s functions and we always played “catch up”. I always considered Leon a friend. God bless you all at this time and savor your memories. Michele



  10. Mary on January 7, 2015 at 11:27 am

    Sorry to here about Leon. He will be missed. I worked with Leon at KU for 13 years. He came and took out a snake in one of my building. It was funny he told me that he did not like snakes either but he got it out for me.



  11. Mr. Kim R. Wrench on January 7, 2015 at 1:18 pm

    Dear Garcia Family,

    Please know my thoughts are with you during this time.l went to school with Leon at Central Jr. High and Lawrence High school class of 1974. Leon was a nice person and I am very sorry about the news of his passing.

    Sincerely,
    Mr. Kim R.Wrench



  12. Carmen Hocking on January 8, 2015 at 12:46 pm

    It was so very sad to hear about Leon passing away. Thoughts and prayers to his family. Leon and I went to school together since 7th grade. He always had a smile. He will be missed. Cherish the memories.



  13. Alice Dailey on January 9, 2015 at 3:06 pm

    So sorry to hear of Leon passing away. Leon was my first supervisor/manager at KU. He taught me a lot when I became a supervisor. I had a lot of respect for Leon.
    Take comfort that he is no longer in pain.

    R.I.P Leon

    Alice Dailey



  14. Ashley (Lockhart) Tremblay on January 10, 2015 at 11:59 am

    “Uncle” Leon,
    You will be greatly missed. I have so many happy memories with you… and you have drumsticks in your hands in every single one of them! Keep the beat going, until we meet again.
    Ashley



  15. Stephanie & BD Bennett on April 12, 2015 at 10:46 pm

    Remembering Leon as a fine young man and a very talented drummer. Always happy & high energy that was contagious to his endeavors & friends! A stellar young man that gave so much to those who knew & loved him! He will be greatly missed and admired.



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