Tommy Mares Jr.

Tommy Mares Jr., 67 of Fort Sumner, NM passed away Sunday, June 22, 2014 at St. Anthony Healthcare in Clovis, NM. Tommy was born May 26, 1947 in Fort Sumner to the home of Thomas and Josefa (Abeyta) Mares. He grew up in Fort Sumner where he attended school. For many years, Tommy could be found everyday walking along Sumner Avenue, where he served his community. He always carried his flashlight, fire pager, and a large ring of keys on his belt along with a whistle around his neck. Tommy served many years as a volunteer for the Village of Fort Sumner Fire Department, and the Fort Sumner Schools. He spent his days between the fire station and the school grounds. He made sure the vehicles of the firemen were never bothered when the firefighters were out on a call. He would spend hours at the station until the last truck was back in service. In the evening hours he walked around the school grounds and the Fort Sumner business community – checking doors. If he found an unlocked door, he notified the dispatch center to contact the school or business owner and the building was secured. He also volunteered as a school crossing guard for many years. In a 1981 De Baca County News article Tommy’s mother was asked if Tommy had any hobbies, she replied, “His hobby is people, he loves all people, especially children, and likes to make sure they are OK. He wouldn’t do a thing to hurt anyone and all of his services come from his heart.” His sisters thought of Tommy as the town greeter, a community ambassador, who made everyone welcome. Tommy enjoyed attending school athletic events and was an avid supporter of the Fox and Vixen teams. He was a lifelong member of St. Anthony Catholic Church in Fort Sumner, a Fourth Degree Knight of Columbus, and was awarded the Citizen of the Year Award in 1998 by the De Baca County Chamber of Commerce, and in 1999 received certificate from Senator Pete Campos and the New Mexico State Senate for his "Outstanding Volunteer Service and devotion to the Fort Sumner Volunteer Fire Department, and Ambulance Service and to the Fort Sumner Schools." His favorite past time was spent watching Police, Fire, and E.M.S. television programs. Tommy was preceded in death by his mother, friend, and caregiver Josefa Mares in 1998. Survivors include his father Thomas Mares, two sisters Pauline Mares and Mary Lou (Benny) Segura, three nephews Benjamin (Angel) Segura, Jerome (Tisha) Segura, and Michael Mares, two great-nephews Jude, and Joaquin Segura, and three great-nieces Jazelle, Sienna, and Savanna Segura all of Fort Sumner, along with other relatives and many friends. Rosary services will be held at 7pm Thursday, June 26, 2014 at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Fort Sumner. Mass will be celebrated from the church at 10am Friday, June 27, 2014 with Father Paul Nkumbi officiating. Burial will follow in the Segura/Mares family plot, Fort Sumner Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Village of Fort Sumner firemen, George Gonzales, Frank Martz, Brent Moyer, Dale Propps, David Vansickle, Joe Sena, Kurt Griego, and Jim Lyssy. All arrangements are under the direction of Chavez Funeral Home, 830 N. Fifth Street, Fort Sumner, New Mexico. (575) 355-2311. To place an online tribute or sign the guest book visit www.chavezfuneralhome.com