Mario Lopez Kirker, 98, a resident of Santa Clara, NM

: Category: Obituaries; 16 August 2024

KirkerMario Mario Lopez Kirker, 98, a Navy Veteran and resident of Santa Clara, NM entered eternal rest on Tuesday, August 13, 2024 at Fort Bayard Medical Center. He was born on November 26, 1925 to his parents, Juan and Rita (Lopez) Kirker in Santa Rita, NM.

Mario enjoyed photography, dancing and most of all talking. He liked reading history books, watching Western movies and teaching anyone who was willing to learn what he had to offer from typing to welding! He also would take his family on their annual deer hunting trips where he would take a nap while the children would keep an eye out for the deer. To him, an education was just as important as breathing. Most of all, he was a successful business man who enjoyed talking to everyone who went to the shop for a visit. Talking about his great, great, grandfather James Kirker was rewarding for him.

He is survived by his loving wife, Elisa Moreno (Grinie) Kirker; his son, John R. Kirker (Maggie) of Santa Clara, NM; his daughters, Virginia Enriquez of Silver City, NM and Rita Lopez of Silver City, NM; his step-son, Richard Grinie of Silver City; his brother, Robert Kirker of Las Cruces, NM; his twenty-two grandchildren; his forty-six great-grandchildren; his nineteen great-great-grandchildren; his one great-great-great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by his first loving wife, Dora (Padilla) Kirker (1988); his son, James Kirker (1985); his step-son, Henry Grinie (2020); his brothers, Frank Kirker, Leonardo Kirker and Henry Kirker; his sister, Clorinda Alderette; his grandson, Zachariah Grinie; his great-granddaughter, Myrandah Quintana.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, August 20, 2024 at 11:00- 11:30am at Terrazas Funeral Chapels with the Funeral Service commencing at 11:30am with Pastor Tim Heyer officiating. Interment will take place following the service at Fort Bayard National Cemetery at 1:00pm where he will receive full military honors. Pallbearers are Grandsons, Isaac Wilson, William Wilson, Isaiah Grinie, Joseph Rodriguez, Rion Sanchez, Dion Rodriguez, Brian Kirker, Mario Kirker. Honorary Pallbearers are Robert Kirker, Aaron Rodriguez, Dominque Kirker, Jimmy Rico, Anthony Rico, Julian Salazar, Elijah Kirker and the rest of the family.

Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels "Trusted care for the ones you love" ~ 575-537-0777. To send condolences, visit www.terrazasfuneralchapel.com.

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