Alfredo Mares

For me, to live is Christ and to Die is Gain, Phil, 1:21
EDINBURG –Alfredo Mares, 82, met Jesus his Savior on Friday, March 2, 2012 surrounded by his children and loved ones. He was born on October 17, 1929 in Edinburg, Texas where he attended school until he volunteered his service in 1947 with the Army Air Corps at the age of Seventeen.
Mr. Mares completed basic training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas and proudly served his country. He was deployed to Germany and aided in the Berlin Air Lift by keeping supply planes flying 24/7 as an aircraft mechanic. Upon his return, he was employed at Moore Air Base until it closed in 1960 while working there he received his pilot's license, he then moved along with his wife and 5 children to WA, where they resided for 15 years. He retired from Sun Oil as a diesel mechanic in 1986.
Mr. Mares loved thoroughbred race horses; he was passionate about every aspect of the racing industry. He purchased and raced his first thoroughbred in Washington State and continued his hobby at racetracks throughout Oregon, Texas, and Louisiana. After his racing career, he purchased thoroughbred broodmares and enjoyed raising their foals with his wife. He was a cowboy; noble in character, hard working, peace loving, devoted to horses and western novels written by Louis L'Amour. Known for his witty sense of humor, he was a man of few words, firm values, and big dreams.
" There's nothing better for the inside of a man, than the outside of a horse" Will Rogers.
He will be deeply missed by his new bride of 5 1/2 years, Maria Esmeralda Mares, and his children; Margie Fontana of Yakima, Washington, Fred Mares (Norma) of Richland, Washington, Rosie Mares (John) of Blaine, Washington, Martha Mireles (Romeo) of Edinburg, Texas and Rebecca Mares (Roy) of Yakima, Washington, and five step children; Mike Cantu III (Ana) of South Carolina, Mari Cantu, Melba Cantu, Norma Cantu, and Adan Cantu all of Edinburg; 19 Grandchildren; Numerous Great Grandchildren; six brothers, Frank, Robert, Pablo, Amado, Oscar, and Raul Ramon, and three sisters, Sofia M. Perez, Eloisa M. Guerra, and Carolina M. Zamora, and his Chubby Chihuahua "Annie".
He is preceded in death by his first wife of 44 years, Sixta "Chita" R. Mares, his parents Chico and Sofia Mares, one brother, Tomas Mares, and one grandson, Romeo Mireles Jr.
Visitation will be from 5 pm to 9 p.m., with a 7 p.m. prayer service today, March 5, 2012 at Memorial Funeral Home, 208 East Canton in Edinburg. Funeral services will be at 9 a.m., Tuesday, March 6, 2012, at Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Edinburg. Interment will follow at Rio Grande Valley State Veterans Cemetery in Mission.
Military Honors will be conducted by VFW POST 3895 of La Joya.
Funeral services are under the direction of Memorial Funeral Home in Edinburg.