Mario Rendon

Mario Guillen Rendon, 59, of Cleburne, Texas died Saturday, January 23, 2016 doing what he loved to do, working on his property.
Mario lived a full life, which he never took for granted. He would say, “Do not waste your life”, “Do not waste time”, “Don’t just think about it, DO IT!”

Mario (Papa Mo) was born in Michoacan, Mexico to Ignacio Rendon and Aurora Guillen on July 15, 1956. He was one of nine children blessed to migrate to the United States at the tender age of nine in 1964. His childhood was one of very humble means that taught him life’s lessons that would later drive him to achieve in life what most only dream of attaining.

At the age of 20, while riding his motorcycle in Houston, TX, he met the love of his life and eternal companion. Love stricken at first sight, he soon married his beautiful wife Tamara (Tammy) Rendon and were sealed for all time and eternity in the Dallas, Texas Temple. They were blessed with their first born, son, Joshua and from that moment on, life as they knew it, forever changed. Fatherhood was one of Mario’s greatest joys! A few years later, daddy’s little girl, Jennifer, was welcomed into their small family.

He tirelessly worked to support his family and engulfed himself in ensuring his financial freedom, setting high goals and standards. Alongside those goals, he began a spiritual journey that began with serving the Spanish Community as President of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Believing that one person can make a difference in people’s lives, he volunteered and worked alongside his brothers in improving the community with the outreach service of Christmas in Action.

Forming relationships that will last more than a lifetime, he continued serving his church family in several capacities as teacher, leader and Bishop of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints of Cleburne. Among all of his time of service, he was never so happy as his last volunteer position, within the Marshallese Community. First, as their Bishop, mentor and last as the youth Marshallese Seminary teacher alongside his wife. His embrace of the culture and love for the people spread as to form the first ever Marshallese Branch in the surrounding southern counties. It was not unusual to find children as young as six year olds sitting in on the lessons that Mario and his lovely wife were teaching. His love of the youth was immeasurable and undeniable.

Along his journey, he embraced his daughter in-law, Sandra, as a daughter and welcomed his new little buddy, his grandson, Christian. A few years later he beamed to hold his grand-daughter Alexis Jade in his arms.

As husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend he gave of his knowledge freely and never held back his promptings of counsel. He took every opportunity to teach and help those in need. He had high expectations of those he saw great potential in and admonished them to “DO”.

Just a short year ago, he counseled with his grandson, Christian, as he prepared to serve a service mission of love for the people of Nicaragua for two full years. Through a special phone conference, the very same night of his grandfather’s passing, Christian said of his grandfather with love, strength and admiration, “The one thing Papa Mo did not do in his life that he wanted to do, was to serve a full time mission for The Lord, and now he can!”

Mario retired from Wal-Mart at the age of 48 as a Produce Manager. He was the owner of Mario’s Elite Paint and Body Shop and owned several rental properties. Mario was a collector of classic cars, loved to golf with close friends, enjoyed practicing on his driving range, and spending time and having lunch with his “Amigos”. He loved working on his property, taking walks with Buster, playing pool with his brothers, and playing board games with family. Mario also loved spending time and mentoring the youth and missionaries, teaching seminary, and sharing the gospel,

He loved and cherished his parents, brothers, sisters, in-laws, Poppa G, Grams, extended and church family, and friends. Mario loved his wife, her cooking and many numerous skills, appreciated her infinite and unconditional love. He truly loved his children beyond comprehension and was very proud of both of his grandchildren.

Mario was welcomed home in death by his parents Ignacio and Aurora.

He is survived by his five brothers Ignacio Jr., Armando, Tony, Felix and Rene; three sisters Gloria, Maribel and Diane; wife Tammy; son, Joshua and wife, Sandra; daughter, Jennifer; grandchildren, Christian and Alexis Jade; parents in-law, Gary and Dorlene Welch; brother in-law, Marty; sisters in-law, Andrea, Sandra and Angie; numerous brothers and sisters in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and close friends.

A memorial reception will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, at 303 S. Nolan River Rd. in Cleburne on January 27, 2016 from 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. Funeral services will follow at 3 p.m. at the same location with Bishop Adam Bond of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints officiating. Burial will follow at the Rosehill Cemetery in Cleburne.