Adonais "Don" Garcia passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by his loving family, on January 24, 2026. Don was born on July 3, 1937, in La Garita, Colorado. In 1956, he married the love of his life, Erlinda Velarde, and together they raised eight children.

Don was a longtime resident of Center, Colorado. A hardworking man, he spent much of his life in physically demanding jobs before returning to school to become a Master Mechanic. Known throughout the community as the "town mechanic," Don worked on vehicles from his home, always willing to lend a helping hand. After retiring from auto mechanics, he spent more than 15 years doing electrical work alongside his sons. Following the passing of his beloved wife, Don devoted his days to cleaning and caring for the La Garita Cemetery.

Affectionately known as "Dee Dee," "Grampo," and "Pompo" by his grandchildren, Don cherished his family above all else and took great pride in passing down his wisdom. He especially enjoyed hunting and fishing with his family, creating memories that will be forever treasured.

Don is survived by his tribe:

Patricia (Kim) Mikules - Jeffery; Stephanie (Mike) Chavaria - Porscha (Enzo & Easton); Raymond and Lorenzo Punihaole.

Richard (Michelle) Garcia - Denise (Jeremy Hall) Garcia - Gabriela; Karen (Lynelle) Garcia; Teri (Clinton) Phillips - Jacy, Lane & Logan; Dawn (Mike Hudak) Garcia - Layla; Elias - Elias Jr. & Elicia.

Thomas (Cheyenne) Garcia - Johnathan; Mark - Zayden & Zander; Catherine (Kevin) Valdez; Nevaeh (Jeremy Talbott) Pacheco - Leiana; Anthony Garcia; Christian Donaldson; Eli Garcia; Anthony Trujillo.

Dorothy Garcia - Jeremy; Jillian (Mike) Soto - Aiden, Jayde & Camila; Jasmine (JJ Jiminez) Vigil - Malakai & Mila.

Danny (Sandi Atencio) Garcia - Danica (Jose Navarro) Garcia.

Billy Garcia - Kevin (Maria Nungaray) Garcia - Tanzen; Zachary (Uyuki Chavez) Garcia; Damian Ramirez.

Ilene (Marcelino Casias) Garcia - Joaquin, Reyes, Amerae.

Michael (Amanda) Garcia - Airik (Roxanna Gonzales) Garcia - Khaleesi, Kemina & Klaira; Monique; Mica (Jacob Franco) Garcia - Jace; Auzzie; Atty.

Also surviving Don is his nephew, Alan (Susan) Lucero, whom he raised as his own.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Erlinda Garcia; daughter, Lenora Garcia; grandson, Reyes Casias; daughter-in-law, Mary Garcia; and his parents, brothers, and sister.

Cremation was selected a Vigil Service with Recitation of the Rosary will be held at 7:00 pm on Thursday February 5th at St. Francis Jerome Catholic Church in Center. A Mass will be held at 2:00 pm on Friday February 6th in La Garita at the Capilla de San Juan Bautista Catholic Church with interment services to follow in the La Garita Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family would ask that you volunteer in the La Garita Cemetery to carry on Don's passion for beautifying it. You can also donate a new cross to the cemetery for the loved ones buried there.