Juan Mario Gomez, 73, of Arlington, Texas, passed away on December 1, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family. Born on December 1, 1952, in Lubbock, Texas, he lived a life defined by service, kindness, and unwavering dedication to others.

The family will receive friends from 6 pm to 8 pm on Thursday, December 18, 2025, at Wade Family Funeral Home, Arlington, Texas. Funeral services will be held at 11 am on Friday, December 19, 2025, at Wade Family Funeral Home, Arlington, Texas. Mario will be laid to rest at Dallas Fort Worth National Cemetery following the service.

He married the love of his life, Noelia, in 1970, a partnership that would carry them through more than five decades of devotion, strength, and shared joy.

Mario joined the United States Air Force straight out of high school in 1970, proudly serving during both the Vietnam era and Desert Storm. His service to his country shaped the rest of his life, inspiring a lifelong commitment to helping and protecting others.

After completing his military service, he began a long and impactful career in law enforcement, spending the majority of his years with the Arlington Police Department. After his retirement from Arlington PD, he continued serving his community through work with the Fort Worth Marshals and ultimately Arlington ISD Security. At AISD, he found joy in mentoring students, encouraging them to make good choices, and doing everything he could to guide them toward success. He often bought model cars to reward at-risk students, telling them, “If you get all A’s this six weeks, you can choose a car.” He believed deeply in the power of encouragement and second chances.

He was well known in the car community for his passion for Mustangs. He loved attending car shows, talking about his cars, and sharing his enthusiasm with anyone who stopped to chat. In the last two years, he enjoyed going to countless car shows with his family, creating memories that will be cherished forever. He also supported the AISD BBQ team, sharing his love for smoking briskets and ribs—something his family will proudly continue in his honor.

What truly set him apart was his enormous heart. He was caring, loving, respectful, and dependable—someone who never met a stranger and left everyone feeling better after being around him. He was always willing to help those in need, whether by taking someone to dinner, paying a bill to get them through a tough time, or helping families buy Christmas gifts. His generosity had no limits, and he gave simply because he cared.

Mario is survived by his loving wife, Noelia P. Gomez; daughters Nycole Ortega, and husband Anthony, Ivana Hallman, and husband, Will; grandchildren Nycholas Slater, and wife, Grace, Leilani Ortega-Rivera, Jazzmyn Ortega, and Juaquin Ortega; great-grandchild, Paxtyn Slater; and sister, Carmen Johnston.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Francis and Albert Gomez; sister, Nan Nowak; brother, George Gomez; and nephew, Russell Valdez.

Juan Mario Gomez’s legacy is one of service, compassion, humor, and unwavering love for his family and community. He will be deeply missed, but his spirit will live on in the countless lives he touched, the students he encouraged, the family he adored, and the memories made at car shows and backyard barbecues.

Love you, Papo. Your family will carry you with us always.