Joe Mares

Joe Magin Mares Jr., 93, of Denver was born on March 12,1924 in Wagon Mound, New Mexico to Magin Mares and Matilde Abeyta Mares. He spent his childhood there and moved to Denver at the age of ten. He attended Fairview Elementary School, Lake Junior High and West High School. He chose not to complete high school and began a long life of hard work.

He worked several different jobs but what he liked most was playing the guitar and piano, both self taught, in bands with his brothers. He played at many night clubs on weekends. He worked the longest at Sam's Number 1, 2,and 3 and also at Pete's Coney Island where he was a most excellent cook.

In 1955 he married the love of his life, Eva Salazar. The Lord blessed them with two children. Eleanor Mares (Dechant) and Dennis.

Joe, also known as Uncle Mag to many, he passed away on November 22 in Littleton Care and Rehabilitation Center.

He is preceded in death by his wife Eva, his parents, and several brothers.

He is survived by his daughter Eleanor (Paul) Dechant of Kit Carson,Colorado, his son Dennis of Denver, his brothers Lou (Angie), and Manuel (Marcella), six grandchildren, Jason (Gina) Dechant, Damon (Amanda) Dechant, John, Madison, Maxx and Sydney, and two great grandsons, Dexter and Jett Dechant.

A vigil, rosary, Mass, and viewing will begin at 9:00 am on Wednesday, November 29th, 2017 at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, 1320 West Nevada Place in Denver. Burial will be at noon at Mount Olivet Cemetery.

Memorial gifts in Mr. Mares' memory may be made to Littleton Care and Rehabilitation Center, 5822 So. Lowell Way, Littleton, CO 80123

To share a memory or leave a message of condolence, please click on the "Share Memories" button above.