Ernest Garcia Jr.

Ernest Garcia, Jr. was born on November 28th, 1964 in Houston, Texas. He peacefully passed away in his childhood home at Mulford St. on Wednesday, June 14th, 2023, under the loving care of his parents Gilbert and Mary Cortez. He is preceded in death by his “big-sister”, Julie Dee Maldonado. Ernest is survived by his parents Mary and Gilbert Cortez, “little-sister” Angela Bondzinski; his five beautiful children, Melissa Garcia (Mark Mendoza), Andrew Garcia Johnson, Elizabeth Garcia Johnson, Ernest Jay Garcia (Jessica Garcia), and Star Garcia (Miguel Martinez). He had nine grandchildren, Christian Garcia, Audrina Garcia, Adrian Garcia, Angel Mendoza, Anaya Garcia, Josiah Garcia, Madison Martinez, Elijah Johnson, and Ares Martinez. Also left to survive him are his brothers-in-law, Bryan Bondzinski and Alfonso Maldonado III; two nieces, Andrea Maldonado and Julia Maldonado; four nephews, Bryan John Bondzinski II, Blake Bondzinski, Alfonso Maldonado IV, and Brandon Bondzinski; grandnieces, Brylee Bondzinski, Alexa Maldonado, Bonnie Bondzinski and grandnephew, Mason Mireles. His aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends loved him dearly. After watching The Three Stooges, one of his favorite comedy shows in the morning, Ernest would walk right across the street each morning to Rufus Cage Elementary School, where he enjoyed riding bikes, skate boarding and playing baseball with all the kids from the neighborhood. He played football in Jr. High and in High school. He attended Stonewall Jackson Junior High, and graduated from Stephen F. Austin Senior High School in 1984. Ernest was best known for his quick wit and sense of humor. He could make anyone laugh. He was even telling jokes the last few days of his life. He learned quickly the craft of carpentry, floor tiling, plumbing work, roofing, and painting. You name it, he did it. He enjoyed working with his family and friends, but most of all he loved our Welito (Petronilo Herrera)! What a joy and so many happy memories Ernest always had on his Welito’s little farm. Welito loved to take us for a ride in his pick up truck to the local store for a cold soda and a snack on those hot summer days. That’s where Ernest acquired the taste of BIG RED soda. He’d say "With ice, please!" As kids, Welito indulged us with corn on the cob, pomegranates, cantaloupes, small red potatoes, watermelons, and fresh farm grown eggs. Let me tell you, there is nothing like sugar cane cut fresh from the stalk and the love my grandfather showed us lived on in Ernest as he continued to love others, one person at a time. We all knew Ernest by the nickname a young neighbor gave him. She said he looks like "Bam Bam" and that's how he was known by all his family and friends until he "grew up". We will all treasure the time God gave us with Ernest and will never forget that gorgeous smile, wild jokester and industrious worker that made him the man he was and so deeply loved. A heartfelt thank you to our dear friend and brother in Christ, Noe Santana and the Santana Funeral Directors family, for their gracious generosity, love and support. A special thank you and appreciation to the LBJ Hospital staff, Father Felix of Annunciation Church-Houston, TX, Pastor Mike Cervantes of New Hope Church, and Hector Herrera of Church Family of Hope. Isaiah 53:5 But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.

Ernest Garcia Jr.

November 28, 1964 - June 7, 2023