Jesus Navejas

Jesus (Guero) Navejas, born on September 3, 1920, in Torreon, Coahuila, Mexico, was called home by our Lord on May 14, 2013 at the age of 92. Guero, his nickname since he was a young boy, was raised in South Central El Paso in the Magoffin/Piedras Neighborhood by his grandmother. A smallpox survivor of 1921, he was the last living member of the Piedras Alligators, a local group of about 20 young men during the 1930’s that resided in South Central El Paso. Dad was the proudest of the Bowie Bear Graduates (January 1939); anytime he was asked who was winning a game his response was invariably “La Bowie.” Dad served in the U.S. Army and was honorably discharged in 1943. He began working at age 9 as a shoeshine boy on Alameda Avenue during the Great Depression. It was during his time as a shoeshine boy that he learned how to play pool at the old Del Monte club on Alameda Avenue. Dad became a world class pool player, and even played legendary billiards player Willie Hoppe in 1939 at the old Texas Club losing 4-3 after leading 3-2. He passed the knowledge and skill to son, Daniel, and grandson, Daniel A. Navejas, greatly enjoying these times together. Dad had an incredible work ethic, missing work due to illness only one time. He worked as a produce manager for over 23 years, notably at KC Grocery on Piedras Street from 1949-1966. He retired in 1982 from Cashway Building Materials, and thoroughly enjoyed his retirement, spending much time with his grandchildren, his late brother Salvador Navejas, and his many, many friends. He loved watching Golf, The “Price is Right,” and was an avid horse racing fan, beginning at Sunland Park in 1960 and continuing until he attended his final race card on April 13, 2013. Dad had the biggest heart in the world, always offering to do favors for family and friends, notably those at his favorite hangouts. These included the Pershing Inn with Ray Haddad, the Tap, the Elbo Room, and El Arbolito in Ciudad Juarez. He always maintained a positive attitude, and adored his family, especially his 3 grandchildren. Undoubtedly, his greatest role was in serving as a surrogate mother to His Grandson Daniel A. Navejas, JD, who lost his mom to cancer when he was 2 years old. He will be greatly missed by all who loved him, but he will never be forgotten, and will always be in our heart and soul. Dad was preceded in death by his parents, Jesus Navejas and Elodia C. Marquez, Brothers Gabriel and Salvador Navejas, Sisters Romelia Garcia, Urbana Rodriguez, and Yolanda Gallegos, Step-daughter Estella Bustillos, and daughter-in-law Margarita Palacios. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Mercedes Navejas, son Daniel Navejas, daughter Irene (Frank) Acosta, grandchildren Noelle Murillo, Daniel A. Navejas, JD, and Celeste J. Navejas. He is also survived by step-daughter Mary Lou Duenez and daughter-in-law Ana Mendez, his primary caretaker and companion for the last 5 years of his life. Also, brothers Severiano, Manuel, Aureliano, Eduardo, and Jose Marquez, Jr. and sister, Herminia Gutierrez. Special thanks to Dr. Radu Ciubuc, his physician from 2005-2012, the staff of Always Caring who provided home health care, and to the staff of UMC who cared for him during his recent stays at UMC. Also to Abel E. Hernandez, his step-grandson, and Blanca Mejias, both of whom did many, many favors for Dad during his final years. A Visitation will be held from 5:00pm-9:00pm, with a Vigil/Rosary to begin at 7:00pm, Saturday, May 18, 2013 at Sunset Funeral Home Northeast. Interment will be private. Services entrusted to Sunset Funeral Home Northeast. Please visit on-line register book at www.sunsetfuneralhomes.net