Leopoldo "Leo" Mares

Today we come to celebrate the life of Leo P. Mares, he was born September 1, 1940 first born of twelve children to Leo and Frances Mares from Tucumcari, New Mexico. Known by his family and close friends as "Pacho".  He was a man of many different accomplishments and talents. First would be his distinguished service to his country where he served honorably in the United States Army for over 20 years, serving in Vietnam and Korea earning various medals including the Bronze Star. Continuing his love for country and the military, he took a job as liaison for Veterans with the New Mexico Department of Labor. He was also a active member of the American Legion and V.F.W. holding appointed positions. Leo also had a love for music, he played guitar, bass along with an attempt at vocals, he also played in various bands, ranging in Spanish to country western music. 

Visitation will be from 5 to 6 pm on Sunday, February 16, 2020 at Baca’s Funeral Chapels where the recitation of the Holy Rosary will follow at 6 pm.  The Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:30 pm on Monday, February 17, 2020 at St Francis Newman Center Parish.  Concluding service and burial will follow at Fort Bayard National Cemetery with full military honor accorded by the United States Army Honor Guard. Officiating will be Father Bartholomew Enzewelem.  Serving as pallbearers will be Richard Luera, Rene Baca, Armando Jimenez, Austin Rauch, Angel Mares, and Alexis Vasquez.  Honorary bearers will be Erycka Walker and Jillian Rauch.

Leo is preceded in death by his parents, Leo and Frances Mares, his brothers Roberto and Stephen Mares, his sister Rita Aragon, his wife, Esther Mares, and his son, Michael Mares. He is survived by his close and dear friend Opie Vasquez, his daughter Jean Francis and her husband Richard Luera (Texas); son Leo James and his wife Melanie Rauch (Montana); son Stephen Robert and his wife Tasha Rauch (California); adopted son Ruben and his wife Mary Alice Vasquez (New Mexico), son Pataleon (Tuffy) Ulibarri; stepson Billy Burch (Utah); stepson Ruben Burch (Montana). Sister Connie and her husband Howard Moffitt (New Mexico), sister Shirley and her husband Joe Gonzales (Nevada), sister Mary and her husband Margarito Marquez (New Mexico), brother Abel and his wife Debbie Mares (Texas), sister Betty Jo and her husband Russell Braziel (New Mexico), brother Juan and his wife Sally Mares (New Mexico), sister Debbie and her husband Paul O'Donnell (Florida), and brother Romolo and his wife Sarah Mares (New Mexico). Grandchildren: Rene', Armando, Marisol, Julian, Ava, Erycka, Austin, Dominik, Alexis,  Angel Ray, Kyla, Izak, Anthony, Anyssa, Dominicke, Victorya, Leelo, Isaih, and Malachi. Great Grandchildren: Andrew, Izabella, Micheal, and Adelena.

Leo inspired everyone he came in contact with, even though he leaves this earth to be with our Heavenly Father, we celebrate the wonderful life he had along with all of those whom was able to experience  his knowledge, wisdom and love.

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