Gene Duran

Gene Duran , 68, a resident of Chamita, passed away in his home on Tuesday, April 14, 2020. He was preceded in death by his father, Melisendro H. Duran; his twin brother, Melisendro Duran, Jr.; brothers, Joseph Floyd Trujillo and Pablo Duran; brothers-in-law, Joe Dennis Mascareñas, Sr. and Milton Maestas, and nephew, J.D. Mascareñas, Jr.

Gene was born on April 23, 1951, in Espanola. He honorably served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. A proud veteran he could always be found wearing or displaying insignia of his veteran status. He was a local artist that created a legacy with his window art throughout the valley during the holiday season. His art was a talent which he expressed on canvas as well. He enjoyed socializing with his family and close friends for hours on end recounting stories about all his military endeavors and life experiences. He helped maintain his parent’s farm for many years as well being a caretaker for them as they aged. He also assisted his parents as a security guard for events held at the American Legion Post 17.

Gene is survived by his companion, Stella Lopez; his daughters, Jolyn, Alejandra and her lifelong partner, Eric Carmona; estranged son, Gene Eric; grandchildren, Aaliyah and Kiara Garcia and Natalie Carmona; great-grandson, Ramiro Adam Suarez, III;  mother, Eugenia Duran; siblings, Betty Espinoza and husband Manuel, Marylou Hoffman Duran, Abel Duran, Connie Montoya and husband Michael, LouAnna Maestas, Joe Duran and wife Robin, Rosie Mascareñas, Patricio Duran and wife Mari, Pauline Rael and husband Rubel, Brenda Marquez and husband Rogelio; nieces and nephews, Brian, Conrad, Diego, Everett, Christy, Adrian, Angela, Vanessa, JV, Michele, Carlos, Jose, Tony, Miguel, Gabriel, Goldyne, Melissa, Diondra, Aracely, Emerald as well as many other relatives and friends. Services will be held at a later date. Honorary pallbearers will be, Aaliyah and Kiara Garcia, Natalie Carmona, and Ramiro Adam Suarez, III. The family of Gene Duran has entrusted their loved one to DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the Espanola Valley.