FERNANDO GARCIA

Fernando Garcia, 41, of Lake Andes died Monday, October 12, 2020 at the Avera Community Memorial Hospital in Wagner. Wake services began Tuesday at the White Swan Community Center in Lake Andes. Graveside services were at the Native American Church Cemetery, rural Wagner Friday, October 16. Peters Funeral Home in Wagner was in charge of arrangements.

Fernando was the fourth oldest child between Tony Garcia, Sr. and Cynthia K. Loudner. He was an enrolled member of the Ihanktonwan Oyate and a direct descendent of Itancan Mato Sabiceya, Chief Smutty Bear, of the Igmu clan. Fernando also comes from a large family from the Crow Creek Sioux Tribe. He was born at the Wagner Indian Health Services and grew up in Lake Andes and Vermillion. Fernando was baptized and raised in the Native American Crossfire Church of Charles Mix County.

Fernando attained his GED and attended SouthwestIndian Polytechnical Institute in Albuquerque, NM. He will be remembered for his carpentry and building skills, and his great sense of humor. Fernando loved to play all sports, hunt, fish, and cook. Fernando will always be remembered by his “Heart of Gold”. He will be greatly missed by his many relatives, friends, nieces and grandchildren.

Fernando is survived by his son, Fernando Jr., his parents Tony and Cindy; step-mother Janell; a very special nephew, Ashton Garcia, who he also called his son; a dear Uncle Robert Abdo Sr., whom he called dad; his siblings: Tonya (Neulan Jr.) Dion, Antonio “Tony” Garcia, Rafael Lance Garcia, Tracy Garcia, Sissy Garcia, Chrissy (Daylan) Garcia-Davenport, JoMarie Garcia, Jacey Garcia and Jaeson Garcia; stepsisters Tisheena Long and Cheyenne Elk Soldier; his brothers (cousins) Michael Scares Hawk, Jesse Scares Hawk and Tom Loudner.

Fernando was preceded in death by his younger brother, David Jocko Garcia, grandmother Cecelia, grandfather Edgar; grandparents Beulah and Joseph Abdo Sr, Auntie Caroline; his brother (cousin) “Bubs”; and many other relatives who he loved.