Tomas F. Duran

Tomas “Tommy” Francisco Duran, 84, was called home on November 20, 2019 surrounded by his family. He was born on December 21, 1934 and was a lifelong resident of El Paso. Tommy joined the Air Force at the age of 17 and served for 6 years during the Korean War. He was a founder and a Charter member of the VFW Post 8782. Tommy served as President of the San Jose Sports Club. He also worked as a Foreman for Jobe/Paisano Concrete for over 20 years. As a self-employed Entrepreneur, one of his happiest moments was spending time with his friends and customers; sharing jokes, playing pool, and shuffleboard. As the family Patriarch, Tommy was a strong man of faith who taught us to seek, honor, and love God. He was supportive, generous, and a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and brother. He encouraged strong family values, honesty, and hard work. Tommy especially cherished family time. If someone was celebrating a special day, he would create a personal, heart-felt message on his digital marquis for them. One of our fondest memories as children was him asking us to pull off his boots. He would curl his toes to make it hard for us, then he would let go to make us feel happy when we got them off. Christmas was his favorite holiday. With our joy and excitement in mind, he would go all out to decorate our home and many times he won 1st place in Christmas lighting contests. One of his favorite past-times was solving the daily newspaper crossword puzzle using the encyclopedia. Tommy loved watching sports and was an avid Dallas Cowboy fan. He enjoyed watching wrestling, Family Feud, and Law and Order. We would hear lots of laughter from him when he watched Sanford and Son, and he got a kick out of watching George Jefferson dance. We will always remember his favorite saying, “Nevermind the weather when the wind blows.” Tommy is survived by his wife of 58 years; Virginia M. Duran, Sons; Thomas (Lety) Duran and John (Penny) Duran, Daughters; Sally Duran, Gloria Cooper, Sylvia (Gabriel) Mendez, Joanne Duran, and Christine Duran. Tommy is also survived by 11 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren and 2 on the way. Brothers; Frank (Barbara) Duran, Mariano (Sylvia) Duran, and Joe (Pat) Duran. Sisters; Hilda Miranda, Betty (Paco) Ortega, and Benita Cortez. Tommy is preceded in death by his Parents; Francisco and Celia Duran, Brother; Humberto Duran (Sally) and Grandson; Antonio Torres Jr. Tommy will dearly be missed, but his legacy of faith, strength, integrity, and strong family morals will live on through his growing family. Special thanks to Dr. Valilis, Dr. Alnajjar, and Hospice for their care. Visitation will be Monday, December 9, 2019, from 6:00pm to 9:00pm with a Rosary/Vigil at 7:00pm at Sunset Funeral Homes – Americas. Mass of the Resurrection will be on Tuesday, December 10, 2019 at 10:00am at San Antonio de Padua Catholic Church. All Services entrusted to Sunset Funeral Home- Americas.