Thomas R. Mares

Thomas R. Mares, 98 a lifelong resident of Fort Sumner passed away Sunday, March 10, 2019 at Clovis Health Care and Rehabilitation Center. He was born June 4, 1920 in Fort Sumner to the home of Jose Rito and Catarina (Rivera) Mares. He grew up in Fort Sumner and attended Fort Sumner Schools graduating with the class of 1941. He served in the Civilian Conservation Corps before entering NM State University. Thomas was drafted into the U.S. Army, during World War II, where he served as an Army Communication Specialist with the 62nd Signal Radio Intelligence Company, his military occupation was High Speed Radio Operator. He completed 11 weeks of training with military Signal School, Radio Operator, and Signal Search Intercept Operator. He was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, American Campaign Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal. He also served in the NM National Guard for several years. Following his honorable discharge he returned to Fort Sumner where he worked as a parts man for Lucas Motor Company for many years. He also served as a contract mail carrier from 1961 until his retirement in 2001. His daily route was between Yeso and Clovis. Thomas was also an accomplished carpenter and handyman. Thomas was a longtime member of the National Star Route Mail Carriers Association. His past times included reading newspapers to keep up with current events and watching his grandchildren participate in sports. Thomas is preceded in death by his parents, his wife Josie Abeyta Mares on August 15, 1998, an infant brother Ruben Mares, three brothers Chano Mares, Hilbert Mares, and Albert Mares and a son Tommy Mares Jr., in 2014. Survivors include two daughters, Pauline Mares of Fort Sumner, and Mary Lou Segura and her husband Benny of Fort Sumner, two brothers Robert Mares of Belen, and Joe Ruben Mares of Albuquerque, three grandchildren Ben Segura and his wife Angel of Fort Sumner, Jerome Segura and his wife Tish of Fort Sumner, and Michael Mares of Las Cruces, six great grandchildren Jude, Jazelle, Joaquin, Sienna, Savanna, and Sailor Segura along with other relatives and friends. A rosary followed by the Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10:00 am Tuesday, March 12, 2019 at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Fort Sumner with Father Sotero A. Sena officiating. Burial will follow in the family plot, at Fort Sumner Cemetery. Pallbearers will include Ben Segura, Jerome Segura, Michael Mares, Jude Segura, Joaquin Segura, and Benny Segura. Arrangements are under the direction of Chavez Funeral Home, 830 N. Fifth Street, Fort Sumner, New Mexico.