Abelardo Garcia, age 52, of Adrian, died Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at ProMedica Hickman Hospital in Adrian following a 13-month diagnosis of ALS. Born January 13, 1974, in Adrian, he was the son of Yolanda Sanchez and Fidel Garcia, Jr.
A lifelong Adrian resident, Abel attended grade school at Madison Schools and was currently employed as a forklift operator with GLOV Enterprises in Tecumseh. A car enthusiast, he was a skilled mechanic who always proudly kept his cars looking clean, and took interest in various lowrider clubs. He earned a Green Belt in Karate in his younger years and remained a strong fighter throughout the remainder of his life, even amid his terminal diagnosis. In his spare time he enjoyed watching movies as well as camping and traveling with his children. His passion in life was his family, and he is remembered as a loving and selfless father who was always genuinely concerned about the welfare of his loved ones. His presence will be sorely missed.
Surviving is his mother, Yolanda Sanchez of Rockwell, TX; father, Fidel Garcia, Jr. of Adrian; his children, Ariana, Isaac and Isabelle Rodriguez all of Adrian; brothers, Rick Garcia of Adrian and George Lerma of Rockwell, TX; sisters, Maricella Lerma of NC and Sheila Saenz-Bowman of Adrian; a granddaughter on-the-way; the mother of his children, Kristy Rodriguez of Adrian; special nieces, Alyssa Martinez and Tessa Holtz; and numerous additional nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and extended family members.
He was preceded in death by maternal grandparents, Raul and Concha Sanchez; his paternal grandparents, Fidel and Maria Garcia; and three grandchildren in infancy.
Cremation will take place. The family will receive friends for a memorial visitation at the Anderson-Marry Funeral Home in Adrian on Friday, March 13, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. until a memorial service will begin at 5:00 p.m. Father Tom Helfrich, OSFS, will officiate. Private family inurnment will take place in Lenawee Hills Memorial Park.
Memorial contributions can be made to Scott Pranger ALS Research Center at U of M or to Team Gleason. Arrangements have been made with the guidance of the Anderson-Marry Funeral Home, Adrian.