Juan G. Huerta

Juan “Johnny” Huerta, a beloved figure in the El Paso community, passed away peacefully at his home on December 4, 2024, at the age of 98.

Born on December 12, 1925 in El Paso, Texas, Johnny lived a life filled with love, family, and a passion for sports. He was a proud athlete and graduate of Bowie High School and a dedicated soldier in the U.S. Army during World War II, serving as a mortar specialist in the 353rd Infantry, Company H in the European and African Theatre. After the military, Juan worked at White Sands Missile Range as an optical engineer responsible for imaging missile launches.

Johnny’s athletic prowess was legendary, playing basketball and baseball in high school (All-City) and demonstrating his talents across many baseball and softball semi-pro teams. His athletic accomplishments were numerous, having played in five Mexican National Tournaments (All-Tournament Team, 1956), and winning two Fast Pitch National Championships as a member of the 1961 and 1962 Dautrich Jacks (All-American, 1962). Johnny is recognized as one of El Paso’s greatest shortstops and pitchers of all time and is an inductee in both the El Paso Baseball and Softball Hall of Fames. Beyond his athletic achievements, Johnny loved his family and was a true friend to all who knew him.

Johnny is survived by his daughters, Teresa Ramos and Cristina Guevara (Victor); his grandchildren, Hilario Ramos (Lacey), Nicole Marquez (Luis), and Victor Guevara Jr.; his great-grandsons, Austin and Henry Ramos, and Lorenzo and Santiago Marquez; his sister, Nieves Acosta and brother, Rodolfo Huerta; friends William J. Arnold, and Philip Bowler, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Amparo G. Huerta, his son, Johnny Jr., and siblings, Conception Garza, Guadalupe Mantz, and Bertha Huerta, Rosendo Huerta, and Jesus Huerta.

The family would like to thank Hospice of El Paso, and all of the caregivers, nurses and doctors that supported Juan in the final years and months of his life.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, at Sunset Funeral Home-Northeast, 4631 Hondo Pass Dr., with a Vigil/Rosary beginning at 6:00 PM. A funeral service will be held at 11:30 AM on Thursday, December 12, 2024, at First Presbyterian Church, 1340 Murchison Dr. Interment will follow at 1:30 PM on Thursday, December 12, 2024, at Fort Bliss National Cemetery, 5200 Fred Wilson Ave.