Mario Montes, 94 of El Paso, Texas, passed away on January 31, 2025. He is preceded in death by his parents Ezequiel Montes and Luz (Montoya) Montes, brothers Armando and Ezequiel, sisters Bertha Montes and Martha Valadez. He is survived by his wife of 68 years Ana A. Montes. Children Mario A. Montes (Emily), Mary A. Montes, Carol L. Carrizal, husband Manny Carrizal and Michael A. Montes, grandchildren Nicole Montes Buckley (Nate), Justin Montes, Derek Montes, Abigail Carrizal, Jonathan Carrizal, Diego Montes, Dante Montes, Great grandchildren Franklyn Montes Buckley, Arlo Montes Buckley, and Eloise Montes Buckley. Also survived by his brother Robert Montes and sister-in-law Elizabeth Montes, numerous nieces and nephews.
He graduated from Cathedral High School in 1949 and attended Texas College of Mines until 1950. He proudly served in the United States Army during the Korean War as a Military Policeman. In 1953 after his service, he returned and attend Texas Western College and graduated in 1957 with a B.S. degree in Civil Engineering. He was a registered professional engineer for more than 40 years. He went to work for Northrop Aircraft Co. in Inglewood CA., as an Aeronautical Engineer but returned to El Paso to marry the love of his life Ana A. Alvarez. He went to work with Robert E. McKee Construction Co. and was associated with McKee for 14 years and worked as an Estimator, Field/Office Engineer and Project Manager. He worked in Hawaii, Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado and California. In 1971 he left Robert E. McKee to start his own company, Urban General Contractors, Inc. He was president of Urban until 1998 when he semi-retired. He continued to work with Urban as a consultant. Mario enjoyed traveling, painting of Western Art, music, cooking, playing golf and spending time with his Grandkids. He served on the board of directors of Texas Commerce Bank, The El Paso Symphony, Goodwill Industries, United Fund, and the Children Guidance Center. He was a beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather, Great Grandfather, Brother, and Friend who will be greatly missed, his wisdom and advice will be remembered by many.
The family would like to thank his trusting caregiver, along with Enhabit Hospice and Caring Companions for all their care and compassion.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, February 11 with a visitation from 5:00pm to 7:00pm at Martin Funeral Home West, 128 Resler Dr. Funeral Mass, Wednesday, February 12 at 11:30am at Queen of Peace Catholic Church, 1551 Belvidere St., burial to follow at Fort Bliss National Cemetery, 1:00pm.
