Gabriel "Junior" Mercado

Gabriel “Junior” Mercado (40) passed into the next life on June 9th, 2022.  He was born in Farmington, NM on April 25th,1982 to Gabriel and Christine Mercado.  Junior was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents Eduardo and Marcella Baca and his paternal grandparents David and Elena Mercado.  He is survived by his parents Gabriel and Christine Mercado, his brothers Chris (Sheila), Juan (Sujeri), Mario (Teela), and Michael (Santana).  He is also survived by Teresa Salazar, who he spent the last 10 years with, and his children Shane, Jaycee, and Araceli.  As well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.

                Junior attended Farmington schools.  Although he didn’t excel at academics, he did have a passion for art and drawing.  He also developed a love for cooking.  A love he would use to help grow the family business.  He enjoyed helping his father at Tacos El Rey and coming up with new menu items that would bring in more customers.  His Quesadilla burger was amazing!

                Junior always had an infectious smile on his face. One couldn’t help but smile and laugh around him with his one liners and dad jokes.  Which brings me to his unending devotion to the Dallas Cowboys.  It didn’t matter if they were doing good or not Junior was always cheering them on.  One of his happiest times was when he got to go out on the field and stand on the Dallas star. 

                Junior was a loving father to his children Shane, Jaycee, and Araceli.  It didn’t matter if it was only for a few minutes, he would always try to make the most of every moment he spent with them. Junior was a loving son, always checking on his parents to make sure they were okay. Junior was a firm believer in Family First, and he lived by that belief.  He was a kindhearted, happy soul, a loyal friend who would give you the shirt off his back if you needed it.  He will be greatly missed by many family and friends.

                Services will be on Friday June 24th, 2022 at St. Mary’s Church in Farmington, NM.

                Viewing at 9:30am

                Rosary at 10:30am

                Mass at 11:00am

Pallbearers will be Chris Baca, Juan Mercado, Mario Mercado, Michael Mercado, John Sena, and Anthony Martinez.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Adan Martinez, Leonard Tarango, and Brad Dobbs

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