Eugene Gilbert Duran, 87, of Trinidad, CO passed away on April 5, 2023. Gene, as he was known, was born in Terreros, NM on June 26, 1935, to Andres and Audelia (Blan) Duran. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Margie (Narvaez). They were united in marriage on June 27, 1959, at St Joseph’s Catholic Church in Trinidad. The perfect couple was always together and were regularly seen sitting in “their usual spot” at the 11 o’clock mass on Sunday mornings at Holy Trinity Catholic Church. They have four children: Gene (Michelle) of Rifle, CO; Dorene (Frank) Massarotti of Trinidad; Joy (Ken) Shew of Thornton, CO, and Dean (Jennifer) of Trinidad. Gene was a proud grandfather of twelve grandchildren: Elizabeth, Holli (Josh Bowen), Gene, Jordan, Armando, Joshua, Turner, Jillian (Brazos Fitch), Ethan, Luke, Calvin, and Chloe. He was blessed with four great-grandchildren: Kade, Bailey, Harper, and Kinleigh Bowen. Gene grew up in the family home in North Garcia and he attended school in Hoehne and at Trinidad Catholic HS. As a young man, he always worked various jobs while in school and throughout the summers. Upon graduating from high school, he joined the United States Air Force. He traveled the world delivering cargo to his fellow servicemen. After his four years of active duty, he returned to Trinidad to work and go to college at TSJC. Upon graduation he worked selling insurance, managed a local Conoco gas station then went to work at the Allen Mine from where he retired. He was a hard-working and proud coal miner. He served as United Mine Workers of America Local #9856 Union President and held the position of UMWA International Auditor in the Richard Trumka administration. He also served as UMWA District 22 representative. Gene was a responsible and dedicated public servant. He served as a Trinidad City Councilman and mayor-Pro Tem from 1982-84. He also worked as a lobbyist in support of unions in CO and Washington DC. His work resulted in him and Margie being invited to the inauguration of President Jimmy Carter and he was added to the President’s White House Christmas card list. He was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles (FOE 179) and a sportsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing, horse racing, and watching football, baseball, or any other sport his family took part in. He routinely tried his luck with the lottery and scratch tickets and he loved animals. He spoiled his pets and was affectionately called the “squirrel whisperer” by his grandkids. He caringly fed and watered the neighborhood birds, as well. He was the second son born to his parents and he often joked that he was a birthday gift to his older brother Andy (deceased) who was born on the same day one year earlier. After Gene came his other siblings Elvira “Vera” Dolce (deceased), Joseph (deceased), Virginia (Al) Ortiz, Donald, and James. Gene was a compassionate, considerate, and playful husband, father, son, grandfather, family member, and friend who humbly led by example. He conveyed to all of us how to be funny, kind, caring, and respectful person to all!
Funeral services will be Thursday, April 20, 2023, at Holy Trinity Church with Rosary at Noon and Funeral Mass at 1 pm. Interment will follow at the Trinidad Catholic Cemetery. The reception will be at the El Rancho Restaurant,1901 Santa Fe Trail, Trinidad CO. Arrangements will be made under the direction of the Comi Funeral Home. Sent from my iPhone
