Ricardo Rafael Garcia

Ricardo Rafael “Rico” Garcia, 37, of Topeka, died July 10, 2010 at Stormont-Vail Health Center.

He was born on June 6, 1973 in Lawrence, Kansas, the son of Angelo Lopez and Rose Garcia. 

He served in the U.S. Army.

Rico founded and operated ELS in Topeka.  He enjoyed playing basketball and golfing. 

He was a member of Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church, the Better Business Bureau and was a sponsor for many organizations.

Rico was preceded in death by his father Angelo Lopez.  He is survived by his mother and step father Rose and Tony Ayala of Topeka, four daughters; Caitlyn Whitlockof Lawrence, Brooklyn Faith Weller of Papillion, NE., Versailles and Isabella Garcia both of Topeka, two brothers, John Garcia of Eudora, KS. and Vincent Garcia of Topeka, two sisters, Tracey Bird of Lecompton and Estrella Ayala of Topeka, and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Rico will lie in state at the Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home on Thursday after 2:00 p.m. where a Parish Rosary will be prayed at 6:30 p.m.  Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday at 11:00 a.m. at Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church.  Interment will follow in Mt. Calvary Cemetery with military honors.

Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to the Garcia Children’s Trust and sent in care of Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Ave., Topeka, Kansas  66603.

Online condolences and fond memories may be made at www.brennanmathenafh.com.