Margarito "Mark" Velazquez

November 17, 1952 - January 20, 2021

Margarito Velezquez of Saint James, MO passed away on Wednesday January 20, 2021 at BJC Sullivan Hospital in Sullivan, MO at the age of 68. Margarito was the third child of Jose Arcadio and Maria Barbara Navarro Velazquez. He was born October 17, 1952 in Las Margaritas, Durango, Mexico. As a child, he worked from a very early age as a shepherd boy. He herded the family’s farm animals and made his own toys. He was always a thinker and a strategic planner. He gave his life to the Lord when he was eight years old on an open field as he leaned his gaze to the sky. As a teenager he made it to the US and established himself in Chicago, IL. He worked hard and brought his entire family of seven brothers, three sisters, and parents to the U.S. He loved his family and worked very hard to try and give them the opportunity for a better life. He always had the love of his life included in his grandiose plan. When she finally made it to the U.S. as well, he one day offered her a ride home. After a few minutes, she realized he wasn’t taking her home. He was whiskering her away into the sunset. They had been sweethearts since they were children and he was eager to make her his bride. They loved one another nearly their whole lives and their union was blessed with three daughters. They shared 46 love-filled years of marriage. He dedicated his entire life to his family and providing them with all that was needed and wanted. He always placed others' needs before his own. He was a selfless healer and possessed a pure heart in which God always existed. Margarito Velazquez is survived by daughters Hortencia (Tiah) and husband Jonas Nils Samuelsson of Rolla MO, Maribel and husband Juan Contreras of Rolla, MO, Violeta and husband Dolores Quezada of Rolla, MO; grandchildren Marco Jevan Palomar, Lluvia Anaki Garcia, Sixto Jimenez, Miah Sarai Samuelsson, Miriam Isabel Contreras, Lissette and Liliana Quezada; siblings Jose Chavez, Jose Eleucadio (Callito) Velazquez and wife Socorro of Elgin, IL, Maria Barbara Sanchez and husband Zacarias of Elgin, IL, Higinio Velazquez of Dibol, TX, Jose Miguel Velazqez and wife Dora of Elgin, IL, Octavio (Tavo) Velazquez and wife Dora of Lufkin, TX, Jose Vicente Velazquez and wife Nicole of Humble, TX, Maria Victoria Johnston and husband Theodore of Orange TX, and Maria Guadalupe (Lupe) Velazquez of Elgin, IL. He is preceded in death by his mother Maria Barbara (Navarro) Velazquez and preceded in death by his father, Jose Arcadio Velazquez. A private family service will be held Thursday, January 21, 2021. Interment will be at the North Lawn Cemetery in Salem, MO. For online condolences please visit w ww.jamesgahrmortuary.com. If you would be so gracious to help this family please go to https://gofund.me/ffd35704