1926-2013
Manuel Duran, age 87, a resident of Los Lunas, NM passed away on Wednesday, October 9th, 2013. He was born on October 3rd, 1926 in Erie, Colorado to Manuel and Ramona Duran. He lived out his childhood in Raton, New Mexico and joined the Navy in 1944. He served his country and fought in WWII in the Pacific, where he earned various medals including the WWII victory medal. After his service he went to work as a miner in coal and uranium. Manuel worked his way up the ladder becoming the New Mexico state mine inspector and later a safety inspector for BLM. He started one of the first unions for miners and was an advocate for miner safety. He loved the outside, his garden, his animals, traveling, spending time with his family, and was active in the local VFW. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Janice Duran; and his brother, Gilbert Duran. Manuel is survived by one brother, Greg Duran of Oceanside, California; five sons and three daughters, Eddie and Robert Duran of Las Vegas, Nevada, Larry Duran of Hawaii, Wayne Duran of Grants, New Mexico, Dotty Jones of Shoreline, Washington, Amy Osborne and Amanda Jones of Los Lunas, New Mexico and Wayne Jones of Longmont, Colorado. He is also survived by 14 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Glen Osborne and Anthony Tapia for their loving care of Manuel in his final days. They would also like to thank Heartland Hospice, family and friends for their help and support through this difficult time. Manuel was loved and will be greatly missed. Sign Manuel’s online tribute at www.romerofuneralhomenm.com Romero Funeral Home, 609 N. Main St., Belen, NM