John Aragon

John “Johnny” Aragon, 88, of Evans, passed away at his home Monday, May 25th with his loving family by his side. He was born in San Luis, Colorado on January 6, 1927 to Jose Luis and Rufina (Lopez) Aragon.

Johnny married Ida Sanchez February 16, 1950 in San Luis, Colorado. Shortly after their marriage, Johnny and Ida moved to Rawlins, Wyoming.

In Rawlins, Johnny worked as a Foreman for the Union Pacific Railroad. After the birth of their eldest daughter, Lilly in 1951, the family moved to Greeley. Here, Johnny did masonry work, helping build several local buildings and churches including Bethel Lutheran Church in Windsor. In 1956, Johnny became a Foreman for Balcom Chemical Company where he worked 46 years until his retirement in 1990. Johnny and Ida’s second daughter, Dorene was born in 1957 and life seemed complete for the family. As destiny would have it, however, in 1968, after a family trip to Mexico, Ida came down with a curious illness which nine months later, resulted in the birth of the couple’s third daughter, Sandra! Johnny and Ida have been longtime members of St. Mary’s Catholic Church.

Johnny was a beans and potatoes man who loved fishing, playing his guitar, singing, and dancing. He was a jokester and his sense of humor knew no bounds when it came to making people laugh. Among his many favorite things to do were traveling, camping with his family, taking care of his garden, keeping his lawn immaculate, doing impersonations, and watching old westerns.

Johnny is survived by his wife, Ida M. Aragon; three daughters, Lilly B. Manzanares of Rawlins, Wyoming, Dorene Ruiz (Jamie) of Greeley, and Sandra L. Fuentes (Derek) of Greeley; grandchildren, Gabe Manzanares (Anna), Lori Manzanares, Amy Manzanares, Jonathon Ruiz (Marissa), Kimberly Ruiz, Ashley Fuentes, and Kylee Fuentes; great-grandchildren, Nolan and Halle Manzanares, Alexandria and Vanessa Cleveland, Devina, Damian, Izel, Aaniyah, Amira, and Zaiden Ruiz, and Marcus and Rachel Moran. He is preceded in death by his parents, Jose Luis and Rufina Aragon; a sister and three brothers.

A visitation will be held at 5:00 p.m. Monday, June 1, 2015 followed by recitation of the Rosary at 7:00 p.m., both at Stoddard Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, June 2, 2015 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Greeley.

Due to John’s sudden passing, please make memorial contributions to Ida Aragon to assist with funeral expenses. Donations can be sent to Ida Aragon in care of Stoddard Funeral Home, 3205 West 28th Street, Greeley, Colorado 80634.