Rafael A. Duron

Rafael is survived by his devoted wife of 66 years, Aurora and six children: Lydia Duron-Kari (Greg- Deceased), Rafael Duron (Marsha), David Duron (Carol), Daniel Duron (Isela), Hector Duron (Roberta) and Diana Marella (Paul) and sister, Angelina Duron Arvallo (Alberto). He leaves behind numerous loving grandchildren and several great-grandchildren and quite a few nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his siblings, Gilberto Duron, Conrado Duron, Guillermo Duron and Berta Chatterley.

Rafael was born in Cabullona, Sonora, Mexico on September 24th,1927 to Margarita Acosta and Gilberto Duron. He took great pride as his family was immigrated to the United States by his stepfather, Natividad Aguilar, as a young boy. He excelled in his studies in school, quickly overcoming the fact that he wasn’t able to speak English. He told a story of missing only 1/2

a day of school because he had to go looking for a cow that had escaped it’s pen.

He was working for Phelps Dodge when he was drafted to serve in the Korean War from Clifton,

AZ. After his service Rafael returned to Phelps Dodge in Bisbee where he and two of his brothers were the first Mexican Americans to be allowed to work above ground driving the large trucks at the

Lavender Pit in Bisbee. He retired from Phelps Dodge after 30 years from Morenci, AZ. His

grandchildren would often ask Tata when they drove through Bisbee, if he made that hole in the

ground and when he would reply, yes, they would then ask him when he was going to fill it up.

Rafael served as a Sergeant Medic in the Korean War where he earned several medals, including

the Purple Heart. After an explosion left his entire unit seriously injured he insisted his comrades

were taken care of before accepting any medical attention himself, while his wounds were in fact

the worst. He was taken to a Mash Unit and later recovered in Japan. While recovering in the

hospital he was asked by his commanding officer if he was ready to go back to the front lines. He

replied that he was proud to serve his country in any way he could. Were it not for the interference

of his brother, Conrad (who was at the time a driver of a commanding general in the area), he would

have been shipped back to the front line. He was later recognized for his efforts in a letter from the

United States Army. This letter recommended him for his courageous actions and was very

instrumental in the recognition that he received for his service, since all other records had been

destroyed in a fire. Rafael was a patriot of the United States and took great pride in his service to

his country when called. He was a hero to many - especially his family.

After his first retirement, Rafael pursued a second career with the United States Post office where

he worked, first as a clerk, then as a mail carrier in Douglas, AZ. He would often joke about being

retired as he thoroughly enjoyed it. His job in retirement was to stay alive until the first of the next

month, in order to receive his retirement pay. He was retired for a total of 30 years. His greatest joy

in retirement was being the greatest fan of his grandchildren’s sporting events. He traveled to every

sports park, high school playing field and gymnasium in Tucson and Southern Arizona to support

his grandchildren in any way he could.

Mr. Duron was a faith filled man. He loved his family and prayed for them daily mentioning each

member by name. May his prayers continue to guide us and bless us from this day forward and

may he rest in peace with our Lord.

Services are private and for the immediate family due to the current pandemic and risk to Aurora. The family asks that you please respect their request. He will be interred at East Lawn

Palms Mortuary in Tucson, Arizona. No reception to follow.

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