Aurelio Mares Rivera

Aurelio Mares Rivera, age 84, died on Thursday, February 22, 2024, at Southwest Medical Center in Liberal, Kansas.

He was born on December 4, 1939, in Durango, Mexico, to Jesus Mares Avila and Julia Rivera de Mares.

Aurelio was united in marriage to Elsie Leal, she preceded him in death on June 4, 2006. Aurelio displayed a strong work ethic in agriculture, at farms and feedlots. Aurelio’s hard work not only shaped his own life but also had a lasting impact on all those around him. Aurelio’s presence brought joy to those around him, and his memory will continue to bring comfort to those who were fortunate enough to have known him.

Though he may be physically gone, his spirit lives on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of crossing paths with him.

He is survived by his seven sons, Aurelio Mares Jr. and his wife, Diana,
Jesus Omar Mares and his wife, Guadalupe Avila,
Octavio Mares and his wife, Laura Aldevete,
Aurelio Ariel Mares and his wife, Ginger Mares,
Eduardo Mares and his wife, Sandra Vega,
Luis Javier Mares, and his wife Alma Juardo,
Anthony Lovato, and
Four daughters, Julie Allen and her husband Chris,
Janine Lovato,
Elaine Salas, and her husband, Tommy,
Patty Chappell and her husband, Carl,
Three siblings, Jesus Mares Rivera and his wife, Isabel Prieto de Mares,
Berta Alicia Mares,
Marta Mares de Moncada
40 grandchildren, and
50 great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Elsie Leal Mares, parents Jesus and Julia Mares, daughter, Rosella Aguilar, daughter, Hilda Mar Mares, Sisters, Carolina Mares de Rivera, and Teresa Mares de Enriquez.

Visitation will be 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM on Thursday, February 29, 2024, at the Hornung Family Funeral Home, 1212 W 2nd Street, Liberal, Kansas.

Rosary will follow at 7:00 PM, Thursday, February 29, 2024, at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, 1510 N. Calhoun, Liberal, Kansas.

Funeral Mass will be at 10:00 AM, Friday, March 1, 2024, at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church. Mass will be celebrated by Reverend Charles Seiwert.

A burial will follow at Restlawn Cemetery in Liberal, Kansas.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.hornungfuneralhome.com