Mario M. Santana, 82, of Sweet Home passed away Friday surrounded by his family. He was born in Guadalajara, Mexico to Manuel and Maria Guadalupe (Michel) Santana.

Mario served as a military police officer in Mexico City before moving to California in 1955. He moved his family to Sweet Home in August 1963. Mario worked in the lumber industry from 1958 until his retirement in 1992. He was an active member of St. Helen’s Catholic Church in Sweet Home.

Mario enjoyed working on his ranch and being in his shop. He also enjoyed watching boxing and western movies. Mario truly loved his family and spending time with them.

Mario is survived by: his wife, Rosa; children, Mario Santana (and wife, Nancy), Arlene Santana, Elaine Moreno (and husband, Moy), Randy Santanta (and wife, Mandy), Scott Santana (and wife, Trish), and Chomo Santana (and wife, Renee); grandchildren, Suzanne Santana-Serratos, Sean Santana, Kyle Prather, Joel Moreno, Emily Rueda, Justin Santana, Sarah Moreno, Spencer Santana, Madalynn Blosser, Jayden Blosser, Lexie Santana, and Dawson Santana; and great grandchildren, Maddox Santana, Xander Serratos, and Amarie Rueda. Mario was preceded in death by his parents and five siblings.

Viewing and Recitation of the Rosary will take place at noon Saturday, December 8, 2012 at St. Helen’s Catholic Church in Sweet Home. Funeral Mass will follow at 1:00 p.m. Final burial will be at Gilliland Cemetery.

Arrangements are under the direction of Sweet Home Funeral Chapel.