Robert “Bob” J. Garcia
January 2, 1944 – June 3, 2026
Robert “Bob” J. Garcia, 82, of Glen Carbon, Illinois, went home to be with Jesus on June 3, 2026.
Born on Jan. 2, 1944, in East St. Louis, Illinois, Bob lived a life defined by faith, hard work and love for his family. He was proud of his Spanish roots and often spoke of his family’s origins in Avilés, Asturias, Spain. He spent 42 years as a professional truck driver and retired from Schwend’s Red-E-Mix in 2004. Throughout his career, Bob maintained a perfect driving record, never having an accident or receiving a road violation and the integrity that was brought to his work daily.
Bob was a proud 32nd Degree Mason and a devoted member of the Ainad Shriners. He valued the fellowship and charitable mission of the organization, particularly its dedication to helping children receive specialized medical care regardless of a family’s ability to pay. His involvement showed his compassion, generosity and servant’s heart that had driven his life.
On Oct. 7, 1978, Bob married his sweetheart, Cheryl K. (née Franklin) Garcia. Together, they shared 47 years of marriage, building a life filled with love, laughter, faith, and unwavering commitment to one another. Their journey together took them through many seasons of life, including a cherished time living in Gulf Shores, Alabama, before returning to the Glen Carbon area. They spent numerous years living in Madison County; over 40 years in Troy and Edwardsville.
To those who knew him best, Bob’s greatest joy was his family. He had a soft heart and an immense love for his wife, children and grandchildren. He was a truly unique man whose dry sense of humor, memorable sayings and endless stories brought joy and laughter to family gatherings and everyday life alike. The lessons he taught, the memories he created, and the love he shared will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew him.
Bob loved the simple things that made life special. He enjoyed watching NASCAR races, spending time at the shooting range and sharing stories with family and friends. He never passed up a good slice of banana cream pie, loved the color red, and found comfort and strength in the Lord’s Prayer. Above all, he loved Jesus deeply and spoke of Him often. His faith was not merely a part of his life, it was the foundation of it. He looked forward to the promises of Heaven.
Though his family mourns his passing, they find peace in knowing that Bob is now reunited with loved ones who have gone before him and is in the presence of his Savior. The many wonderful memories he created will provide comfort until the day his family is reunited with him in Heaven.
Bob is survived by his beloved wife, Cheryl K. Garcia; his children, Cyndee (Dan) Zimmerman, Lisa Garcia, Tim Garcia, and Stacy (David) Cann; his grandchildren, Danny Zimmerman, Kylie (Bailey) Reynolds, and Cody Robert Cann; his sister, Shari (Donn) Carstens; and his brother, Ben (Kathy) Garcia, and numerous brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, cherished friends, and all those whose lives were touched by his kindness, humor, and friendship.
He was preceded in death by his father, Emil Garcia; his stepmother, Marie Judd Garcia; his mother, Betty Fisher Domescik; and his stepfather, Andrew Domescik.
Bob’s legacy is one of faith, love, humor, loyalty and devotion to family. He will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
The family would like to thank the staff at La Bella of Edwardsville for their exceptional care.
In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests memorial donations be made to Shriners Children’s in Bob’s memory. As a proud member of the Ainad Shriners, Bob deeply appreciated the organization’s mission of providing life-changing care to children and supporting families in need.
“Well done, good and faithful servant.” — Matthew 25:23
“For thine is the kingdom, and the power and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.”
The funeral service will be held at 12 p.m., Wednesday, June 10, 2026 from the chapel of Sunset Hill Funeral Home. Family will receive friends from 10 a.m. until the hour of service. Following the service, Mr. Garcia will be laid to rest at Sunset Hill Memorial Estates.
The family is being served by Sunset Hill Funeral Home, 50 Fountain Drive, Glen Carbon, Illinois 62034.
