Johnny F. Lujan 1952 – 2021

Johnny Francisco Lujan, 69, a resident of Torreón passed away March 15, surrounded by his loving wife and daughters. He was preceded in death by his parents, Johnny F. Lujan, Sr. and Preselia Luna and stepfather Frank Luna; aunts, Felicita and Celina Chavez; uncle, Juan Jose Chavez; in-laws, Robert and Vivian Petzold; niece, Leola Lujan; and nephew, Lonny Lujan. He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Liz Lujan; daughters, Mary Anne Chavez and husband Paul, Holly Henderson and husband Shawn, Stephanie Lujan and husband Michael Crabb, and Amanda Lujan; grandchildren, Dominica, Racquel, Mercedes, Brianna, Jonathan, Nicholas, Celina; and five great-grandkids; brother, Clemente Lujan and wife Isabel; and sister, Susan Barela and husband Eusebio. Johnny was a life time resident of Torreón. In 1952, Johnny was born to the recently widowed Preselia Lujan after the untimely death of his father. The young widow returned to her family home with her two young sons, Johnny and Clemente, where they were raised with the support of her parents and siblings. When a young boy, Johnny’s mother remarried. Johnny, forever stubborn, and maybe a little spoiled, remained with his mother’s family. As Johnny grew, he was instilled with an immeasurable work ethic, sense of responsibility, and love of wild horses and fast cars. He also met his future wife Liz, and wooed her the way all boys do, he threw rocks at her from across the street. Years later, in a 50-year-old, adobe three-bedroom house with no running water they began their life together. The adobe grew piece by piece with the family, built with Johnny’s own hands, and became home to their four daughters. Johnny worked at Torrance County for 25 years, working his way up from crew to foreman. Johnny did mechanic work, cared for his aging aunts and uncle, and ran a small ranch. In his little free time, he was a member of the Torrance County Sheriff’s Posse and rebuilt a 1951 Chevy pickup. In later years his cattle ranching funded his racing habit; he was a man of diverse interests. Nothing was more important than his family and his daughters’ futures. His hard work provided them with limitless opportunities, his firm guidance, indisputable principles, value of education and a lifetime of knowledge, and his strong heart love immeasurable. In recent years the family grew to include sons-in-law, grandkids, grand-pets, and anyone who wanted to join it. Johnny and Liz spent their recent retirement working on the ranch, cheering on grandkids, and arguing with his daughters—one of his favorite pastimes. In the end, there was no body in the world big or strong enough for his spirit. He left us suddenly, shockingly, but on his own terms. A public viewing will be held March 22 from 12 to 6 p.m. at Harris-hanlon Mortuary in Moriarty. Burial will be at the CLL Ranch in Torreón, on March 24 at 11:30 a.m. Pallbearers will be Paul Chavez, Shawn Henderson, Mike Crabb, Jonathan Chavez, Nicholas Henderson, Celina Henderson, Francisco Barela, Jeremy Lujan, Patrick Lujan, Leonard Lujan, Michael Romero, and Paul Chavez. Honorary pallbearers will be Ignacio “Nash” Jaramillo, James Maldonado, Jesus Lucero, Ted Reddinger, Delfinio Roybal, Louie Lujan, Lorenzo Lujan, Lenora Lujan, Eusebio Barela, Jr., Isidro Barela, Jonathan Lujan, Pablo Sanchez, Josh Styce, Jason Chavez, Daniel Salas, Antonio Barela, Gavin Gonzales, Jarett Morris, Jerika Lujan, April Petzold, Cristin Gering, Ray Tapia, Leo Lopez and “Junior” Plant.