William Joseph Mares

He was born January 1, 1917 in Cistern, Texas to the late Cyril Joseph and Augusta Otahal Mares.

He served in the U.S. Army during WWII and was discharged in Tyler, Texas in Oct 1945 as a TSGT Surgical Technician 4th Grade, 677th Medical Collecting Company, 8th Service Command. He was the consummate businessman.

Among other ventures, he owned and operated a caf "The Uptown Coffee Shop", a grocery store "Frisco Grocery and Market", was a salesman for "Dailey Liquor Store," delivered Budweiser Beer, and joined Civil Service working at Lackland AFB Commissary in Produce department where he shared his grocery experience. He loved working with customers and they loved him. He had a great memory for people and found many friends wherever he went.

He retired in 1981. He loved dancing. In all of these years he was very active in many Church, social, and community activities and received many recognitions for his service and involvement.

He was a member of KJT Lodge 102, SPJST Lodge 133, Knights of Columbus 5262, Hermann Sons Simmering Lodge, Board of Directors of Northside Catholic Credit Union, St. Ann's and St. Margaret Mary's Men's Clubs, Holy Name Society at both St. Ann's and St. Mary Magdalen's, Slavonic Mutual Fire Insurance Association, VFW Post 76 and many square and round dance groups and social clubs.

He is preceded in death by his dear wife of 45 years, Stella Edith Eickmann, his parents, Cyril Joseph and Augusta Otahal Mare, his brother, Charlie MIA in Korea, and many other relatives and friends. He loved them all dearly.

Survivors include his two daughters and sons-in-law, Willie Mae and husband Thomas Cole Sr., Patricia Alma Keller and husband Lawrence Edgar "Ed" Keller Sr.; grandchildren Thomas Cole Jr. and wife Tammy, Mary Edith Johnson, Lawrence E Keller Jr. and wife Heidi, Jacqueline Neff, and Jason Keller all of San Antonio, Michael Patrick Cole and wife Jennifer of Arkansas; 11 great grandchildren, Krista and Jessica Cole of Ohio, Nicholas and Hailey Neff, and Ashleigh, Amber, and Amy Johnson, and Jakob Garza all of San Antonio, Lennon and McKinley Cole of Arkansas and Samantha Garner of Beeville; and 2 great great grandchildren Matthew Johnson and Christian Aldana of San Antonio; 3 brothers and 2 sisters, John Mares of Cistern, Sister Callista Mares IWBS and brother George Mares both of Victoria, Felix Mares and wife Vida and Catherine Camp and husband Bill of San Antonio. He is also survived by a sister-in-law, Dorothy Eickmann of New Braunfels; a brother-in-law Donald Kneupper of McCamey, Texas and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. We know that he will always be in the hearts of many and watching over us.

Visitation will begin Friday, August 13th at 6:00 p.m. at Porter Loring on McCullough.

ROSARY

FRIDAY

AUGUST 13, 2010

7:30 P.M.

PORTER LORING CHAPEL

MASS

SATURDAY

AUGUST 14, 2010

2:00 P.M.

STS. CYRIL AND METHODIUS CATHOLIC CHURCH

CISTERN, TX

Interment will follow in the Sts. Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church Cemetery.