Johnny Mares

Johnny Mares, 60, of Santa Clara passed away, November 19, 2021 at Gila Regional Medical Center.

Recitation of the Holy Rosary will be at 6pm on Wednesday, December 1, 2021 at Infant Jesus Catholic Church in Hurley, led by Deacon Richard Maynes.  The Funeral Liturgy will be at 11:30 am on Thursday, December 2, 2021 at Infant Jesus Catholic Church with Father Casmir Anozie, officiating.  The Rite of Committal will follow at Fort Bayard National Cemetery, with military honors accorded.  Serving as pallbearers will be Kirk Carrillo, Danny Montoya, Lee Romero, Angel Granadino, Jacob Garcia, Richard Quintana, and Joe Murillo.  Honorary bearers will be his God-children, Andrew Mares, Jacob Bolivar, Christopher Pena, Erika Parra, and Austin Gomez; his Army buddies, Mario Rubio, Gary Mullholand; longtime friends, Henry Villalobos, Tracy manning, his work crew #2 and many other co-workers.    

Johnny was born December 19, 1960 in Vaughn, NM to Bobby and Berna Mares.  He had traveled with his family all over New Mexico, as his dad had worked with James Hamilton Construction for many years.  Johnny had graduated from Animas High School on 1979 and soon after his family relocated to Silver City.  He entered the United States Army and proudly served in the 317^th Engineer Battalion for four years.  He was honorably discharged and was a very proud veteran.  Johnny loved football and was the biggest fan of the Minnesota Vikings, watching every game that he could.  He was well known for his skills as a Dozer operator, as well as other heavy equipment, working for Freeport-McMoran for 27 years. Johnny had a passion for the outdoors, he loved hunting and fishing.  He cherished the times he went hunting with his best friend his dad.  Johnny never met a stranger, he made friends everywhere he went.  His sense of humor made everyone around him laugh.  Johnny loved his wife, “the Queen” Barbara as much as his kids and grandkids.

Johnny is survived by his wife of 35 years, Barbara; son, Jerimiah Mares (Korina) of Greencove Springs, FL; daughter, Katrina Carrillo (Kirk) of Hurley, NM; father, Bobby Mares; brothers, Robert Mares (Martha) of Bayard, and Phillip Mares of Silver City; sisters, Rosemary Mares and Julie Mares, both of Silver City.  Also surviving Johnny are four grandchildren, Bobbie Jean Mares, Levi Carrillo, Elianny Mares, and Elias “Dozer” Mares.  He was preceded in death by his mother, Berna Romero Mares on November 15, 2020.

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