Manuel Duran

DURAN, MANUEL R. Services are scheduled for 9:30 a.m., Friday, December 11, 2009, at Our lady of Grace Catholic Church in Artesia for Manuel R. Duran, 78, of Artesia.brbrMr. Duran passed away at Denver Hospice in Denver after a severe stroke while trying to battle cancer.brbrFather Paul will officiate at the services with burial at Woodbine Cemetery Rosary services were held Thursday, December 10, 2009, at 6:30 p.m. at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church.brbrIn honor of Mr. Durans favorite color in his everyday attire, the family requested everyone try to wear something blue on the day of the rosary.brbrDuran was born Nov. 9, 1931, in Artesia, a son of Juan and Concepcion Renteria Duran, both now deceased.brbrSurvivors include Epifania Duran, his loving wife of 61 years, Sally Duran, of Bosque Farms, Sylvia Bueno, Stella and husband Lazaro Chavez, of Artesia, and Susan and husband, Dolores Lolo Mendoza, of Roswell. He is also survived by brothers, Luis, Henry, Juan and Michael Duran of Artesia; and sisters Lupe Ortega, and Rosa Garcia, of Artesia, and Margaret Valdez, of Lovington.brbrHe was preceded in death by a sister, Gloria Ortega.brbrDuran retired from being a finish Grader operator after 40 years as a heavy equipment operator. He enjoyed dancing, fishing, camping and deer hunting.brbrDuran leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews, along with 12 grandchildren, 29 great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.brbrFriends may pay their respects online at www.lagronefuneralchapels.com.brbrArrangements are under the direction of LaGrone Funeral Chapel.brbr

Service