He was born on August 1, 1931 in Juarez, Mex and proudly accomplished his U.S. Citizenship in 1965. He was able to earn his Associates Degree from EPCC while working full time and raising a family.
He loved the aroma and worked with fine woods beginning his career as a finished carpenter at Addco Mill Company. He advanced his career path as he then worked as an Estimator for D.G.Shelter Products. He finished working as a Sales Manager for El Paso Wood Products wherein he would sell custom hand crafted doors to a network of building contractors across the country. He retired at "80" , thoroughly enjoyed the essence of hard work and was passionate about saving for the future. A lesson well taught to all of his children and grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Rafael & Maria T. Duran, sister Maruca H., and his beautiful wife "Chelito". He is survived by his sister Magdalena Gomez and little brother Rafael Jr in addition to his four children, Pat (Raul) Duran-Vigil, Laura (George) Duran-Chacon, Jesus A. Jr. (Judy) Duran, and Jerry (Anna) Duran; his grandchildren, Jeneé, Brea, Jiana (Sweethearts), Patrick (Perro), E.J. & Christian (muchachos), and lastly, his furry grandson, Smokey.
As an avid handball player throughout his life, he achieved his dream and had a handball court " El Rebote" built at his home where he would spend countless hours playing and thereafter drinking a cold "Natural Lite" with family and friends. He enjoyed a good glass of wine in addition to fine dining in Juarez, and would take his sons to "La Lucha". We value our treasured moments with mom and dad.
We thank his doctors / RX and AM Hospice staff for helping with his care, and most importantly his caretakers, Mari M. Marcela, Laura, Mari C. and Judy who were so kind and gentle during the last period of his life, "Gracias por cuidad a nuestro papa". By the Grace of God, he lived a blessed long life, loved by family and friends. Te vemos in Heaven ... Viejo...
Visitation will be held at Funeraria del Angel Central, 3938 Montana on Monday, March 10, 2025 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. with a Vigil at 7:00 p.m. Funeral Mass will be at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 11, 2025 at Our Lady of Assumption, 4805 Byron st., followed by a committal service in Restlawn Memorial Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers the family requests sending donations to the El Paso Animal Service Center.
