David James Mares

David James Mares was born at home by a mid-wife, to Juan and Lydia Mares on May 7, 1936 in Raton, New Mexico. Dave and his family moved to Denver when he was only a year or so old. Born to a Christian mother, he was taken to church as a very young child through his teenage years and began to have a biblical foundation instilled in him. Each morning their mother would wake them up to pray and recite the 10 Commandments and the Beatitudes in Spanish. Dave’s mother was a huge inspiration in the way his life turned out. His mother prayed that Dave would find a Godly woman in which to settle down with.

On February 18, 1956, Dave married the love of his life, Rose Duran. This year, they celebrated 62 years together! Shortly after their marriage, they started attending church. Rose gave her heart to the Lord first, then Dave did. They wanted a big family and together raised six boys. It was during these years of raising his children that he would often work 2 & 3 jobs just to support his large family. He worked as a door-to-door salesman, pouring/forming concrete, PSCO utility locator and Minister to people.

He taught his boys boxing, the love of music and how to barter. But most of all, he taught his boys how to serve and love the Lord.

Dave is preceded in death by his parents, Juan and Lydia Mares, two brothers, Henry & Benny Mares, two sisters, Francis Martinez & Corina Garcia and two grandsons, Nathaniel & Daniel Mares. He is survived by his wife, Rose Mares, six sons Jerry (Cindy), Dennis (Debbie), Isaac, Henry (Lisa), Leonard (Teresa), Matthew (Brenda), one daughter, Camilann Baca, three sisters Pearl Espinoza, Jenny Solis & Ruth Young, one brother, Herman (Virginia) Mares, 16 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren.

Dave will be missed dearly by his family and friends, but we know, without a doubt, that Dave is now in the presence of Almighty God. What a day it was when Jesus welcomed him into His kingdom and said, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant. Enter ye into the joy of the Lord.’