It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our dad, (United States Marine) Robert Arriaga Garcia, who was welcomed into the arms of our heavenly father on May 7th, 2025, at 0754. He passed away peacefully in his home at the age of 71. As Robert closed his eyes, ending his life in this world, he awakened to his eternal life without fear or shame. In his last moments, we witnessed a heavenly peace overcome him as he was welcomed to everlasting paradise. Awaiting his arrival was his mother Carrie Garcia, who eagerly took him by the hand, ready to cook him those dearly missed meals and scratch some scratch-off tickets together. Two of his older brothers, George and Gus, rushed to embrace him with a long, hard brotherly hug. During the early morning of May 7th, it was uniquely special outside our father's home, various family members spotted three cardinals flying around his trees and the neighborhood gangs of deer he specifically named the Bloods, Crips and Ese's made a truce that morning and gathered on his property to bid him farewell on his glorious journey.Robert Arriaga Garcia was born on July 18, 1953, in New Braunfels, Texas to Guadalupe and Carlota Arriaga Garcia. Robert served a total of 26 years in the armed forces. He was drafted into the United States Army from 1971 to 1973. In 1974, he joined the United States Marine Corps, which he proudly served until his retirement in June 1997. Robert is preceded in death by his father, Guadalupe Garcia, and mother, Carlota Arriaga Garcia. Along with his brothers, George A. Garcia and Gus Garcia. He is survived by his four daughters and their spouses, Tina Mendoza (Matthew Sr.), Annette G. Mendiola (Gasper), Yvonne G. Sanchez (Paul), and Naomi L. Gonzalez (Damian). His thirteen grandchildren, Robert, Cassandra, Aleena, Anthony, Gustavo, Matthew Jr., Paulie, Michael, Theresa, Jonathan, Daniel, Julia, and Zane. His five great-grandchildren Michael, Leo, J.R., Seleena, and Landon. His siblings and their spouses, Carrie, Sarah (Don), John, Mary (Jimmy), Eve (Dan), and Guadalupe Jr., along with his many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Dad was a hardcore Dallas Cowboys fan who refused to be interrupted while watching their games on TV and would not answer his phone if we forgot it was game time. The famous rivalry between the Cowboys and Redskins was always a special game he looked forward to. He was a simple man who enjoyed his barbacoa tacos from Mimas, bowl of menudo from Casa Guadalupe, and fried fish from Lucky's, which was accompanied by either a glass of sweet tea or Big Red. Dad took pride in the appearance of his yard, home, car, and dress attire, especially the overwhelming scent of his cologne.Dad had a wonderful sense of humor and an infectious smile that was guaranteed to brighten your day. His daughters never missed a moment to enjoy a good laugh or poke fun at him when it was at his expense, with the crazy things he would do. When there was a special occasion or family event, he showed up. He was a proper host, showering his guests and family with enormous generosity. He always introduced himself, made a stranger a friend, was dependable, and always kept a promise. He was punctual, being 30 minutes early to any appointment, event, or meeting because being on time was considered late. He lived by the KISS method of "Keep It Simple Stupid". Dad was a die-hard Marine, a devil dog who cherished the Marine Corps' values of honor, courage, and commitment. The Marine Corps motto, Semper Fidelis, "Always Faithful," was his lifelong commitment, a promise he reciprocated, and a lifestyle that radiated when you encountered him. The battle cry among Marines, "Ooh-rah," was a way he expressed his lifelong love of the Corps. He made it his mission to care for his Marines when they were stationed far from their loved ones. He invited them into our home, fed them home-cooked meals, partied with them, listened to music, and shared stories, followed by crashing out on our living room carpet, sleeping to The Last of the Mohicans soundtrack.Our dad loved the Marine Corps. Watching movies such as Jarhead or Full Metal Jacket, described how deeply the Marine Corps was rooted in his soul. In the movie, Full Metal Jacket, Gunnery Sgt. Hartman, played by R. Lee Ermey, simply said:"Today, you are no longer maggots. Today, you are Marines. You are part of a brotherhood. From now on, until the day you die, wherever you are, every Marine is your brother…But always remember this: Marines die, that's what we're here for! But the Marine Corps lives forever. And that means you live forever!" Together, we thank Dad for the sacrifices he made to give his family a better life. He set an example for his family by being a hard worker and leader with the mentality to never give up, and that anyone can achieve anything if you put your mind to it. Dad was never one to be overly emotional in public. We know that he loved his family, was proud of the accomplishments achieved by many of them, and enjoyed seeing his family grow, leaving an amazing legacy behind. Forever the memory of our dad will be the Miller Lite drinking, Kool's smoking, beer joint drinking, honky tonk dancing cowboy who was ready for another round and to party hard. Many loved him, respected him, honored him, were impacted by his willingness, created wonderful memories, and will miss him dearly. Our family thanks all those who have prayed for us, blessed us with food, gifts, stories, donations, and most of all, your presence here today or tomorrow to honor Robert. Thank you, Dad, Grandpa, Great-Grandpa, Brother, Brother-in-law, Uncle, Friend, and 1st Sgt., for all you gave and sacrificed. Semper Fi, Marine. Visitation will be held at Sunset Memorial Oaks Funeral Home-New Braunfels, Monday May 19th from 5-8 pm with funeral services on Tuesday May 20th 11:45-12:45. Graveside services will take place at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery with full military honors at 1:45.