Mario Minekesu Thomas Jr.

Mario Minekesu "Strong One" Thomas Jr. was born on April 18, 1998 and died on November 28, 2022.

He was an enrolled member, born and raised in Santa Clara Pueblo and was from the Narragansett Tribe of Rhode Island. He is survived by his father Mario Thomas Sr. , his mother Camille Moquino, stepfather Darwin Yazzie Sr., his companion Brianna Gutierrez, sister Kaitlyn Thomas, Brothers Andre, Darwin Jr. and  Isaac Yazzie.  Grandparents Yolanda Chavez and the late Eloy Chavez, John and Karen Thomas and many other relatives.

Mario was a graduate of the 2016 class of Santa Fe Indian school. He loved spending time with his family and going fishing. He was a talented artist in drawing and photography. He took pride in his batmobile the crossfire. His favorite football team was the Pittsburgh Steelers.  Mario loved his job as a security guard and asset protection service at Wal-Mart.   “Top Flight Security of the World.” He had many friends near and far that loved him dearly. His best friends include Byron Calabaza, Ian Martinez and the late JJ and Donivan Browning. You will be dearly missed and never forgotten. We love you Mario aka “Babe”, "Notty maudi," “Worm” “Monster,” "Chubby Squirrel."

The family would like to send a special thank you Ohkay Owingeh Fire Department and 1^st responders, Ohkay Owingeh Police Department, Pojoaque Tribal Police Department, Santa Clara Pueblo Tribal Police Departrment, Santa Clara Pueblo Governor's Office and Deacon Greg Aguilar.

A Rosary will recited at 6:00 pm December 1, 2022 at the family home in Santa Clara Pueblo. Burial will be at 9:00 am December 2, 2022 at the Santa Clara Pueblo Catholic Church Cemetery

Serving as pallbearers will be Byron Calabaza, Ian Martinez, Jarren Naranjo, Adrian Tafoya, Jerome Gutierrez , Jerome Gutierrez Jr., Chris "Weso" Martinez, Christopher Chavez and James Moquino.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Andre Yazzie, Darwin Yazzie Jr., Isaac Yazzie and Jace Gutierrez.

The family of Mario Minekesu "Strong One" Thomas Jr.  has entrusted their loved one to DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the beautiful Espanola Valley.  505.747.7477   www.devargasfuneral.com