Mario Quiñonez, resident of Douglas since 1939, departed at Peppi's House Hospice in Tucson, AZ, surrounded by his wife and children amidst a blessing prayer on November 14, 2013. He was born on March 5, 1935 in Fabens, Texas to Rodolfo and Fecliciana (Valerio) Quiñonez. Mario was raised in Douglas by his Abuelitos, Julio and Francisca Quiñonez and numerous Tios and Tias. On May 29, 1952, he joined the Air Force and served his country for four years during the end of the Korean War. During his Air Force tenure, he was afforded numerous opportunities, visited many countries, and received his formal training as an aircraft mechanic. Mario returned to Douglas, where he met Maria Luisa "Paloma" (Nieblas) Quiñonez and married on July 26, 1958. Mario commuted to Ft. Huachuca Air Force Base for more than thirty years where he worked as an aircraft mechanic. Mario was a sports and game show fanatic which he religiously watched daily. He decided to share his love for sports and coached Douglas youths for many years. In addition, Mario volunteered his time as an umpire. He encouraged many youngsters to join baseball and played an active role establishing Douglas Termite League. Furthermore, Mario loved the outdoors, fresh air, and the warmth of the sun rays. He treasured camping and cherished hunting. Mario shared his love for the outdoors with his family, his grandchildren, his nieces and his nephews. Mario was quiet and enjoyed the simple pleasures of life. Without thinking twice, he would give his shirt off his back to help any family member or friend. Mario enjoyed playing cards, dominos, and loved the Chicago Cubs and Dallas Cowboys. He would tell his daughters that "he was a rich man." Later they realized what he meant; he was rich because he was surrounded by his spouse, daughters, sons, and grandchildren. Mario is survived by his wife of 55 years, Maria Luisa "Paloma" and his children; daughter - Lupe Trujillo (Gene) and their children, Sandy Ramirez, Elizabeth Ramirez, Christy (Jorge) Garcia and Aaliyah Trujillo, daughter - Grace Luna, (Mario) and their children, Crystal Luna, Vanessa Luna and Aileen Luna, daughter - Ana Grijalva, (Carlos), and their children, Carlos Grijalva Jr., Francisco Grijalva, and Adrian Grijalva, son - Adrian Mario Quiñonez (Norma) and their children Paulina Quiñonez and Carolina Quiñonez, son – Michael Quiñonez (Araceli) and their children Jessica Quiñonez and Jessica Quiñonez. His three great-grandchildren are Jorge Garcia Jr., Janessa Garcia, and Julian Garcia. Mario loved playing and spoiling "Chato" the dog and "Silver" the cat. His siblings are Rudy "Popo" and the late Julia Quiñonez, Pedro (Pete) and Magdalena (Nena) Quiñonez, Thelma Quiñonez, Olga Quiñonez, Nora Quiñonez, Peral Quiñonez, Fernando Rodriguez, and the late Violet Quiñonez. He was loved and respected by an abundant number of nieces, nephews, and friends. The family thanks the many family and friends that supported Mario during his illness. Please accept our warmest gratitude for your love, encouragement, and prayers. A Rosary for Mario was recited at 7:30 pm on Sunday, November 17, 2013 at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. A Mass of the Resurrection was celebrated at 10:30 am on Monday, November 18, 2013 also at Immaculate Conception Church with Father Gilbert Malu officiating. Burial followed at Calvary Cemetery with Military Honors by the American Legion and VFW. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made under his name to: Douglas Run/Walk for the Cure (Linda Gomez) for Cancer Support 2902 E - 15th Street, Douglas Arizona 85607.