Rick Marez

(From Derfelt Funeral Home)

Abel Richard “Rick” Marez, age 64 of Galena, passed away at 2:33 PM on Tuesday, June 15, 2021 at Mercy Hospital of Joplin, MO following an illness.

Rick was born in Anaconda, NM to parents Louis G. Marez and Josie G. Garcia. He graduated from Grants, NM High School with the Class of 1975.

Rick was a miner at the Uranium mines in Anaconda, NM, and later worked as a correctional officer at the New Mexico State Prison. He moved to Galena, KS in October of 1993, and worked with Red Lead at Eagle Picher, and later worked in the chemical industry as a machine operator for PBI Gordon. He was a member of the Catholic faith.

In his youth, he enjoyed fishing and playing in local baseball and softball leagues. He was a big fan of the Dallas Cowboys, and also enjoyed caring for his lawn, and playing with his grandkids and great-grandson.

He was united in marriage with Terri Lee (McCumber) Marez on February 19, 1977 in Grants, NM. She survives.

Additional survivors include his mother, Josie Ellis; two daughters, Brandi Marez of Joplin, and Mandy Marez of Galena; one brother, Russell Marez (wife, Josie) of Galena; two sisters, Yolanda Cordova (husband, Leonard) of Albuquerque, NM, and Mary Beasley (husband, Brett) of Grants, NM; two granddaughters, McKayla Valdez and Erin Valdez; and one great-grandson, Vex Maverick Abel Valdez – “The Spanish Ninja”.

He was preceded in death by his father, Louis Marez; his brother, Johnny Marez; his mother-in-law, Rayma Marez; his father-in-law, Frank McCumber; one brother-in-law, Frankie Dean McCumber; and his grandparents, Frank and Josefita Marez.

A visitation will be held from 6-7:00 PM on Monday, June 21, 2021 at Derfelt Funeral Home of Galena. Private family burial will take place at a later date on the family plot at Pence Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the family to defray the funeral expense.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.derfeltfuneralhomes.com.