Miguel Lagunas

Miguel Lagunas, 80, passed away peacefully on Monday, August 20, 2018 surrounded by family in the comfort of his home (Louisville, KY). While this is a tragic loss to our family, we find comfort in knowing that he led a full and successful life. Miguel left as a man that was accomplished and at peace. At the young age of 16, he migrated to Louisville from Mexico City, Mexico. Arriving in Louisville December 6, 1956. While working to continue his education, he spent three years proudly serving as an officer in the US Army stationed in France, Turkey, and the USA. He earned his degree in electrical engineering at JB Speed School (University of Louisville) spring of 1969. During the fall of 1969 he began his career at the Louisville Gas and Electric Company. Miguel was a light of positivity and support to all he encountered. One can say he truly “never met a stranger”. His life was dedicated to taking care of his family, and service to others. Through his servitude and love for others, his life led him to create, sponsor and serve as a board member of many organizations in Louisville. His contributions are far too many to list here. Some of the most remarkable are: The Latin American Club of Louisville, The Hispano/Latino Coalition, Ballet Español, Hispanic Business Association, Sister Cities of Louisville, The Latin American Soccer Association, Adelante Hispanic Achievers, St. Rita Catholic Church Guadalupe Committee, Arcoiris Latino, Metro United way, Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association, Louisville Hispanic Police Academy Alumni Association. Other positions he held were: Commissioner for the City of Lincolnshire (elected), Louisville Metro Police Department Accountability Commission (appointment by the Louisville Mayor), Louisville Metro Police Department Advisory Commission (appointment by the Louisville Mayor), Organizer of the drive to broadcast a television station (Univision) in Spanish 24 hour a day in Louisville, Co- hosted a Spanish radio talk show with Officer Minerva Virola. He has also written numerous articles for the local Louisville newspapers both in English and Spanish. He is a published author (“Como decia mi Tia Graciana”), and is a featured article in the University of Louisville’s book “Encyclopedia of Louisville”. He led and supported efforts to create scholarships to support Latino students who had been accepted to study at the University of Louisville. Because of his dedication and significant contributions to his profession and community, he received many awards and accolades; the first one being a MOSIAC Award in October of 2011. He leaves behind an attitude of “Si se puede!” (Yes we can!) as well as many lessons. He will be remembered as a man full of integrity, honesty and loyalty. Loved ones that cleared his path on the way to heaven are Inocente Lagunas, Eustolia Lagunas, Augustine Lagunas, Miguel Lagunas Oseguera and Hildegard (Cita) Lagunas. He leaves behind his wife Martina Lagunas, siblings Marta Lagunas Martinez, Ave Lagunas Martinez, Pepe Lagunas Martinez and a loving, blended family of 9 kids, 15 grandchildren, 11 great grand children, as well as an abundance of family and friends. A special thanks to Dr. Delarocca and the staff of the Louisville Cancer Institute, Dr. Suhn and the staff at Brownsboro Hospital, the staff at Louisville's Hosparus/ Hospice, and also the Emergency Room Department staff at Norton Suburban Hospital. Everyone worked patiently and diligently to help our family take measures of comfort for Miguel. The family will receive guests at visitation Saturday, August 25, 2018 at Arch L Heady Funeral Home 4400 Bardstown Road from 2-8pm with a candle light Vigil at 7pm. A funeral mass will be held Sunday, August 26, 2018 at 1pm at Saint Bartholomew Catholic Church 2042 Buechel Bank Road. As we are sure he would have preferred, we ask that donations are made in his name to one of the many organizations Miguel was a part of, or to the American Cancer Society.