Alfonso Duran

Alfonso Duran, 92  of Taos, peacefully entered the Kingdom of Heaven to be with our Lord on December 1, 2022.  Alfonso was born in Ocate, NM in 1930.  He is preceded in death by his parents, Salomon and Juanita Duran of Ocate, wife, Frances Vallejos Duran, son, David L. Duran, his brothers, Tony Duran, Fred Duran, Juan Duran, sisters, Mary Ida Gonzales and Pauline Duran. Alfonso is survived by his brother, Carlos Duran (Priscilla), sisters, Dinah Duran (Manuel) and Erlinda Seegers (Jack), daughters, Monica Rael (Joe), Juanita Cannon (Keith), Francine Reyes (Luis A. Reyes Jr.), Alice Vallejos Torrez (John), grandchildren, Bryan Arellano, Joanna Hribar, Vanessa Rael, Blair Cannon, Sterling Cannon, Derek Reyes, Armando Reyes, Ariana Reyes, Amanda Torrez and John J Torrez, great-grandchildren, Nathen Reyes, Nevaeh Reyes, Liliah Hribar, Brooke Hribar, Blake Hribar, Henry Wright, Andrea Tourgee, Brianna Arellano, Bryan Jr.(Sonny), Jaylynne Arellano, great-great grandchildren, Angeliyah, Bubba, Nellie, Zayden, Baby Ollie - Angel Baby, Atlas, Fur babies, Levi and Venus who watched him and waited to share his food  every morning.  The Vallejos Family in-laws Bertha Cordova, Tony Vallejos, George Vallejos, Adelmo Vallejos, and Jose E. Vallejos.

Alfonso was a proud Navy veteran, Small businessman and owner of Duran’s Shoe store. A Taos News Salesman. He loved that he was the oldest paper boy, but he was most proud of his role and participation in establishing a chapter of the Gideons here in Taos. His devotion and commitment to the Gideon Mission was inspirational and motivational.  He enjoyed speaking to people about the Gideon mission and the camaraderie and company of his fellow Gideons.  Alfonso’s unwavering faith in Christ was genuine and he lived his life fully and loving Christ.  He especially enjoyed taking his grandchildren and great grandchildren to church and helping them sell the paper.    One his favorite times was the period of life that he ventured to Seward, Alaska to make a living.  He had many stories of the larger-than-life state, the fishing, the wilderness, the outdoors but he talked most of the kindness of the people and the friends he made.  Every where Alfonso went, whether at Church or at Gideons speaking engagement or just drinking coffee at McDonalds, he always made friends.

Alfonso enjoyed his days at the Taos County Ancianos center visiting with his friends, having lunch, an occasional nap and really enjoyed a great game of pool.

He will always be remembered as a man of faith, a loving and supportive husband, father and grandfather, a loyal and honest friend who would always stop to help someone in need.  We will miss you very much Mr. D. Thanks for making life better for all you came in contact with.  Until we meet again.

A celebration of life will be held in the future. 

Arrangements by Rivera Family Funeral Home. To share a memory, please visit our website at www.riverafuneralhome.com