Obituary of Gerald John Lujan

Gerald Lujan, a lifelong resident of Las Vegas, NM passed away on March 23, 2023 surrounded by his loving wife, children, and grandchildren.  He was born on January 17, 1944 to Guadalupe and Eloisa (Gomez) Lujan.

 

He is survived by his wife Dorothy Lujan; children Yvette Lujan-Flores (Tim), Gerald Lujan Jr., and Lizette Lujan (Patrick); grandchildren, Adriana Clark (Connor), Cesar Lujan-Flores (Maia), Xavier Lujan-Flores, Gerald Lujan III, and Iliana Lujan; his sisters Irene Vigil, Angela Sedillo, and brother Chris Lujan (Anna); along with numerous nieces, nephews, in-laws and many dear friends.

 

Gerald graduated from West Las Vegas High School in 1963.  He served in the United States Army  from 1966-1968.  After he was discharged from the service, he returned to Las Vegas, where he met his wife, Dorothy.  Gerald described seeing Dorothy for the first time as “love at first sight.” They married in June of 1969 and stayed devoted to each other for 54 years. They loved dancing-whether it was at a family wedding, a Fourth of July Party, or in their own kitchen.

 

Gerald was known by all for his kindness, generosity, and devotion to his family.  He was loyal to his friends and dedicated to public service.  He retired from the New Mexico State Highway Department after working there nearly 30 years. He then drove a bus for the West Las Vegas Head Start Program for 12 years.  In retirement, he could often be found sitting on his back porch watching baseball or making his grandchildren laugh.  Gerald was the kind of person who never thought twice about helping anyone, and he never asked for anything in return.  He was proud of the family he raised and even prouder of his grandchildren.  He was their biggest supporter and attended their activities, and never missed a graduation, or wedding.

 

In pictures, Gerald often looked serious.  To strangers, he seemed quiet.  In reality, Gerald was always telling jokes and making goofy faces.  He knew how to make someone feel at home as soon as they walked into his house.  His love was unconditional and he will be deeply missed.

 

Services to celebrate Gerald’s life will be held at Our Lady of Sorrows Church in his hometown of Las Vegas, NM on April 14, 2023 at 9:15 am.  Interment will take place on April 17th at 9:30 a.m. at the National Veterans Cemetery in Santa Fe, N.M.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Gerald Lujan, please visit Tribute Store