It is with heavy hearts, but also so much love and gratitude for a life well-lived, that we share the passing of Alfonso Duran Sr. He left us peacefully on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at the age of 89, right here in his beloved El Paso.
The youngest of eight children born to Enrique and Consuelo Duran, Alfonso learned early on the value of a close-knit family and the importance of hard work—traits that would become the foundation of his entire life.
Alfonso was a proud Navy man. He volunteered for service back in July 1955, dedicating four years to active duty and another four as a reservist out of Long Beach, California. As a Petty Officer and Machinist’s Mate, Alfonso was the steady hand keeping the ships running. Whether it was the propulsion machinery, the steering, or the refrigeration systems, if it needed to work, Alfonso made sure it did. His time in the service took him all across the South Pacific Islands and Eastern Asia, giving him incredible experiences and stories he carried with pride for the rest of his days.
Back home, Alfonso spent many years keeping his community safe. He worked as a security guard, lending his support to the El Paso Police Department as well as Maintaining the Boilers of the Asarco and Phelps Dodge refineries. Later in life, he put his knack for fixing things back to work as a maintenance engineer at Las Palmas Medical Center, where he eventually retired.
But for all his hard work and service, absolutely nothing mattered more to Alfonso than his family. He was deeply devoted to his wife of 65 years, Rosa (Anchondo) Duran, and together they built a beautiful legacy. He was a wonderful and loving father to Consuelo (and her husband John McChesney), Alfonso Jr., Celia, Ruben, and Ester (and her husband Deric Hakim). His heart only grew bigger with the arrival of his ten grandchildren—Celeste, Lorraine, Vincente, Steven, Ethan, Winter, Mason, Ruben Jr., Diego, and Reneseme—and he was absolutely thrilled to be a great-grandfather to sweet Serena.
We will forever remember Alfonso for his quiet strength, his unwavering dedication, and the endless love he gave to all of us. His legacy lives on in the family he built and the countless lives he touched.
Visitation will be Monday, May 18, 2026 from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm with a rosary at 6:00 pm at Funeraria Del Angel Central, 3839 Montana Ave. El Paso, Texas 79903. Funeral mass will be held Tuesday, May 19, 2026 at 12:00 pm at Santo Nino De Atocha Catholic Church, 210 S Clark Dr. El Paso, Texas 79905. Interment will follow at Fort Bliss National Cemetery, 5200 Fred Wilson Ave. El Paso, Texas 79906.
