Porfirio "Pete" Garcia, age 71, US Marine Corps Veteran of the Vietnam War, of Hessville, passed away peacefully Tuesday, July 18, 2017 after suffering from illnesses associated with Agent Orange exposure. Pete is survived by his loving wife of 28 years Barbara Garcia nee Oliver; children Steven, Joseph, and Jazmine; siblings Apolonio (Carol) Garcia, JR, Joe Frank Garcia, and Olga (David) Castro; grandchildren Brayden "Mikey", Aryk, Isabelle, and Aviana.; numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, great-great-nieces and nephews in Oklahoma, Texas, and California. Pete was proceded in death by his daughter Paula Marie Garcia; son Matthew Garcia; parents Apolonio and Vera Lou Garcia nee Ashton; siblings Lorenzo, Nancy Ruth Garcia and Nennie Lou Ramon. Pete was born on February 25, 1946 in Rotan, Fisher County, Texas. He retired in 2008 from Trinity Hospital formerly South Chicago Community Hospital. He proudly served his country in the Marine Corps in the Vietnam War. He loved spending time with his family, working on his cars, and going to the drag races. He has been "Uncle Pete" to 3 generations of children, especially Melissa (Jose) Figueroa, Blanca (Richard) Verduzco, and April (Carlos) Cuevas, Johnny (Kim) Nunez, and Andy Nunez. He was a part of the 1962 Rotan Texas State Football Champions. He kept his love for football alive by watching the Gavit High School Football games every Friday. He loved his Bears! He, with his wife, lovingly fostered 26 children over the years. Friends are invited to celebrate Pete's life with his family on Friday, July 21, 2017 from 2:00 PM until the Marine Corps Honor Guard presents colors at 6:30 PM at LaHayne Funeral Home , 6955 Southeastern Avenue, Hammond, Indiana. Interment Private. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the family would be appreciated. For further information regarding services, please contact LaHAYNE FUNERAL HOME at 219/ 845-3600.