Mario Varela Obituary

Mario Craig Varela

Mario was born on September 29, 1963 in Porterville, CA and raised on the Tule River Indian Reservation. He loved rodeos and was an amazing bull rider. In his earlier years he won the all-around champion for the first all Indian junior rodeo, and was awarded the 6-12 age group trophy. He also loved playing football and was an avid Los Angeles Rams fan. He attended Sherman Indian High School in Riverside, California.

He is survived by his sisters, Cynthia Gomez, Candace Varela, Sybil Avalos, Stacey Corona, and Lisa Garfield and his brother, Lawrence Manuel. Mario is also survived by many nieces and nephews. He was welcomed to Heaven on July 23, 2024 by his mom, Gloria Garfield and his dad, Ray Varela, along with his brothers Richard Manuel, Raymond Varela and Wallace Varela and sister Sonja Hernandez.

Family and friends will meet at Porterville Funeral & Cremation Center on Thursday, August 29 th at 8:15-9:00 a.m. for viewing and to be escorted at 9 a.m. to the Tule River Lower Reservation Cemetery for a graveside service at 10 a.m. A reception will follow at the Tule River Elders Center. Special thanks to family and friends, the Tule River Tribe and the Tule River Elders Council for your support and assistance in sending Mario on his journey home.

For additional information contact Porterville Funeral & Cremation Center: 765 W. Henderson Avenue Porterville, CA 93257.

To sign Marios online register book or leave a message of condolence please visit www.portervillefuneral.com. For additional information contact Porterville Funeral & Cremation Center: 765 W. Henderson Avenue Porterville, CA 93257.