Mario was born into a devout Catholic family. His parents instilled in him his strong Catholic faith, which carried him throughout his life journey. His love and devotion to our Lord was admirable.
His enjoyment of playing sports with his neighborhood friends as a child, evolved into playing baseball, football and basketball as a Kennedy High School Rocket. He then played on basketball teams through his military service years. Continuing his love of basketball, he participated in intramural tournaments during his civil service career. Following retirement, Mario dedicated time daily to “shoot hoops” in his backyard. He was featured throughout his life in many newspaper articles and won many trophies and awards, including MVP. He shared his enjoyment of healthy cooking and fitness with family and friends, often sharing his meals and offering fitness tips. His discipline was commendable. He also enjoyed in-depth conversations about sports, especially basketball as a devoted Spurs fan. His favorite pastimes involved outdoor activities including barbequing, camping, jazz festivals, and get-togethers with his former classmates.
Mario served in the United States Air Force from November 1969 - February 1974 as an ejection seat specialist, earning rank as a Sgt. during this time. He enjoyed his time serving during the Vietnam War at Ubon Royal Thai Air Force base in Thailand. Following his military service, Mario began his civil service career at Kelly Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. He eventually moved in 1999 to finish his career at Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. He gained many friends throughout his career and in 2006, returned back home to San Antonio to enjoy his retirement.
He is preceded in death by his parents Luis and Maria Del Carmen Gamez, siblings Richard Gamez and Luis Gamez. He is survived by his son Mario Luis Gamez, daughter Nicole Marie Leos (Jeremias), former spouse Sandra Gamez, grandchildren Matias Bruno Leos and Xiomara Clara Leos, sisters Elia Martinez (George), Carmen Ingle (Edward), Hilda Roman (Tony), Rose Mary Elizalde (Javier), sister-in-law Irma Gamez, numerous nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews and Cockatiel “Changa”. Mario will be deeply missed. May we continue to share his passions for good food, big laughs, great times and love for family and friends together.
The family would like to thank Methodist Hospital and Gentiva Hospice for their care, as well as all the visitation and prayers from family and friends for a beautiful send off for Mario.
The Visitation will be held from 3:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 12, 2025 at Funeraria Del Angel Trevino, 226 Cupples Rd., San Antonio,TX 78237 followed by a Rosary to be recited at 7:00 p.m. The Procession will depart from the funeral home on Monday, January 13, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. for an 9:45 a.m. Mass of The Resurrection at St. Luke Catholic Church, 4603 Manitou Dr, San Antonio, TX 78228. Interment will follow in Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, 1520 Harry Wurzbach Rd, San Antonio, TX 78209.
