Ernesto (Ernie, Neto, Fo) Santiago Garcia, age 69, passed away on Saturday, November 18, 2023, in San Antonio, Texas. He was born on August 30, 1954, in Alpine, Texas to Carmen H. Garcia and Elidia Alvarado.

Ernie was a sports enthusiast, especially football and baseball. In his high school years, Ernie was a 3-year letterman, all-district and all-area football player at Midland Lee High School. This experience prompted him into many years of coaching sports before and after his children were born. He attended the University of Texas-El Paso, as well. Ernie was also passionate about his job in later years working with special needs children as a bus driver for Northside ISD.  Prior to his work at Northside, Ernie used his salesman skills with various companies including Ozarka, American Fence and Anchor Fence Company.

Ernie was a long-time animal lover.  He owned and rescued many dogs during his life including his last 3 dogs Jasper, Luna, and Sam. Ernie loved and spoiled his grand-dogs – Teddy, Zooey, Freckerson, and the late Major and Mr. Fu.

Ernie's hobbies and interests included woodworking, watching his favorite teams (University of Texas, Notre Dame, New York Yankees), and taking trips to games with his son to watch UT football and baseball across the country. He also enjoyed finding new restaurants around San Antonio with his daughter, especially those that served sushi. Ernie loved his family, extended family, and friends deeply. Not only did he attend games and events for his children but also of his nieces and nephews. Ernie even had the honor of helping walk his niece, Marisela, down the aisle at her wedding.

Ernie was preceded in death by his parents, Carmen H. Garcia and Elidia Alvarado, and his companion Kathy Belmares. He is survived by his two children, Adam Garcia and Ana Garcia; his ex-wife Rebecca Garcia; his niece, Marisela Garcia (Albert); his siblings, Carmela Garcia, Mike Garcia (Rocio), Belinda Cotton (David); sister-in-law, Maria Nunn; additional nieces and nephews: Jon Marc Garcia, Raquel Garcia (Walter), Saul Garcia, Andrew Cotton (Melissa), and Noah Cotton; great-nieces and nephews: Sydney, Aidan, Avery, Addison, Chloe, Carly, and James; numerous cousins; and longtime friends Mike "Fats" Williams, Steve "Tevie" Culver, Artie Smith and Philip Hickman.

Ernie did not know a stranger, and this contributed to a lifetime of friendships that started in his elementary days all through his high school years and beyond, including his 25 years at Northside ISD.   Ernie had a great sense of humor and could find light in most situations.  In fact, you knew he cared about you if he took the time to tease or joke with you.

CELEBRATION OF LIFE

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2023

3:00pm

Family and Friends may begin to arrive as early as 2:15pm

The Angelus Funeral Home

1119 N. St. Mary's St., San Antonio, TX 78215

** Please dress in casual attire as Ernie loved his shorts and polo shirts. **

MEMORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to SNIPSA, ZERO Prostate Cancer

or a charity of your choice.