In Loving Memory of Derek Joseph Duran

Derek Joseph Duran

Derek was born on February 2, 1994, to Melissa and Albert Duran in Raton, New Mexico. Derek grew up in the Springer community. He liked to fish, hunt, and played sports for SHS. He graduated from Springer High School in May of 2012. He went on to study Forestry at Western New Mexico University then moved to Albuquerque from Silver City in 2017. In 2014, Derek graduated from the Army National Guard basic training, eventually serving eight years in the National Guard, and went on to complete deployment in Djibouti, Africa from September 2019 to August 2020. Derek was employed as a Security Officer for the Albuquerque Airport since 2018.

While on deployment, Amelia Mae Duran was born on January 1, 2020, to Christina and Derek. After deployment, he returned to his job at the Albuquerque Airport. In January of 2021, Derek was deployed for two weeks to the Capital in Washington DC after the Insurrection on 1-6-21. Derek balanced his work with commuting to see his daughter and family while meeting all the Covid 19 restrictions set at that time for Acoma Pueblo. He focused on his relationships and begin to know and raise his daughter with the help of his partner. A plan was in place with a compressed work schedule that allowed Derek to spend 4 days a week with his daughter, partner, and mother-in-law. Derek died unexpectedly on August 9, 2022, after dinner with loved ones at Acoma Pueblo. The Office of the Medical Investigator determined that Derek had Marfan Syndrome; he died of an aneurysm near his heart. Derek appeared to be a healthy 28-year-old, working to support and have time with his family. Derek enjoyed playing basketball, shooting his guns, playing video games, and watching the Dallas Cowboys. Derek was thoughtful, kind, and quiet. He was a man of few words but was loyal and loving to his family and friends. He will be dearly missed.

Derek was predeceased by his beloved grandparents, Carol and Carlos Pena. He is survived by his daughter, Amelia, fiancé, Christina Garcia, and his mother-in-law Joyce Garcia. His mother is Melissa Duran & Sam, and his father is Albert Duran & Beth. His brothers, AJ Duran and CJ Duran & Sheila, and sister Krista Duran. Nephews, Giancarlo, Lane, and Joshua; Nieces Diana and Angela. Grandmother, Linda Duran, and grandfather Frank Duran & Margaret. His Godparents, Alfred Tafoya and Jessica Tafoya. He is survived by many aunts and uncles, cousins, and close childhood friends.

Services for Derek will be at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Springer, NM on October 1, 2022, with Rosary at 10:30 and Mass at 11 am. Officiant: Fr. Trieu VanVu, Co-celebrant Fr. John Brasher and Deacon Ed Olona. Mass followed by a Military Honors presentation, then a meal for family and friends at the Parish Hall.