Silas Escobedo Garcia (92) of Las Cruces, NM passed away on May 15, 2026, in his home surrounded by his loving family.

Silas was born in Chiz, NM to Simon Trujillo Garcia and Juanita Escobedo Garcia on December 20, 1933.  He was raised by his paternal aunt Josefita Trujillo Garcia and his uncle Andres Garcia.  Silas grew up in the Truth or Consequences area and graduated from Hot Springs High School.  He enlisted in the United States Army immediately following high school graduation where he proudly served his country as a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division, 508th Regimental Combat Unit. Silas was stationed in Japan for three years during the Korean War, where he gained an appreciation of different cultures and people, making friends wherever he went.  His experience with the US armed forces changed his life by introducing him to international travel and creating an opportunity to attend college.  Silas earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from New Mexico State University, capitalizing on the benefits of the Montgomery GI Bill.  Upon college graduation, Silas began his career as an Intern at White Sands Missile Range where he worked and advanced until his retirement in 1993.  He had a long and successful career and had the opportunity to supervise and mentor many young engineers entering the field over the years.  Silas retired from White Sands Missile Range as Radar Chief of WSMR Range Operations, Department of the Army.  Silas was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 1226 and served as Grand Knight for three years. During that time, he was an avid supporter of the Holy Cross Retreat annual fiesta.  He was also a member of the VFW Post 3242, and the Toastmasters International organization, where he competed and received multiple awards.  He was a parishioner at Our Lady of Health Catholic Church and was an avid cook, often competing in area chili cookoffs and other cooking events.  He was co-owner and operator of the Tortilla Flats Saloon for many years following his retirement.

Silas is survived by his wife of 67-years, Genevieve Rodriguez Garcia; his two daughters, Laura Garcia of Carlsbad; Felicia Manzanares (Carlos) of Las Cruces; and his youngest son Samuel Garcia (Barry) of Boca Raton, FL; his sister Rosalia Garcia Holguin (Alfonso) of Deming; 7-grandchildren and their spouses; 15-great grandchildren and their partners; and 1-great, great grandchild.

He was preceded in death by his eldest son, Silas Edward Garcia; his parents Simon and Juanita Garcia; his aunt and uncle Josefita and Andres Garcia; his brother Antonio Garcia and his sister, Maria Christina Palomarez.

Recitation of the Holy Rosary will begin at 6:00 PM Monday, June 1, 2026, at Baca's Funeral Chapel, 300 E. Boutz Road.  The Memorial Mass will be celebrated at our Lady of Health Catholic Church, 1178 N Mesquite Street in Las Cruces.  Services will begin at 10:00 AM on June 2, 2026.  Burial will follow the Mass at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens immediately following the services.

Service arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Baca's Funeral Chapel of Las Cruces and Sunset Crematory, 300 E. Boutz Road, 527-2222