Obituary of Guillermo Garcia Lara, Sr.
Guillermo Garcia “Bill” Lara, Sr.
Guillermo Garcia Lara, Sr., of Harlingen, TX, passed away at the age of 78, on Monday, June 3, 2024, at Edward J. Hines, VA Hospital in Hines, IL. Bill was born on January 22, 1946, in San Benito, TX, the son of the late Juan and Rose Garcia. Bill spent his younger years in San Benito then moved to Aurora, IL, where he graduated from Aurora High School. It was here that he met the love of his life, on a college campus JJC, Velia Rodriguez. He was a proud veteran of the United States Army where he earned a Combat Infantry Badge, National Defense Service Medal, Viet Nam Service Medal, 2 Overseas Bars, an Army Commendation Medal, an Air Medal, and a Viet Nam Campaign Medal.
Bill had been employed by Mobile Oil Refinery as a Pipefitter for 21 years. He was also a bus driver for Joliet Central High School and worked at Petco. After retirement he and his wife of 56 years moved to Harlingen, TX. Bill had a love for playing pool, bowling, dancing, playing cards and enjoyed gatherings with family and friends. He had a big heart for his animals. He leaves behind Angel, Lulu and Maggie his fur babies.
Bill is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Velia M. (nee Rodriguez) Lara; his son, Guillermo G. “Billy” Lara, Jr.; two daughters, Blanca Lara and Melissa Lara; grandson, Maxwell Lara; as well as sister Antonia Castillo, and niece Maria "Toya" Suarez, numerous nieces and nephews, and cousins.
He is preceded by his parents Juan and Rose Garcia; two sisters, Irene Rodriguez and Delia Hernandez; and brother Tony Castenada nieces Monica Moore and Angie Aguilar.
A Memorial Gathering for Guillermo Garcia “Bill” Lara, Sr. will be held on Friday, June 14, 2024, at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Rd. (at Essington Rd.), Joliet, IL, from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m.
Family and friends are invited to meet at 8:30 a.m., on Saturday, June 15, 2024, at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, 205 E. Jackson Street, Joliet, IL, where a Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 9:00 a.m.
For more information please call 815-741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com where you can share a favorite memory or leave an online condolence.
