Edward D. "Chief" Lujan Sr.

Edward D. Lujan Sr. "Chief" 1938 - 2006 Greenlawn Mortuary Eddie is now running in the Hills of Heaven. He passed away peacefully in his home on July 31st. He is greeted in Heaven by his daughter, Susie Jaimes and half brother, Andres Duran. Eddie is survived by his adoring wife of 48 years, Ruth Lujan; his two sons and daughters-in-law, Eddie Lujan Jr., and Sandi DeMita and Robert and Tina Lujan; grandchildren, Storme Jaimes, Cati Lujan, Robert Lujan, Jaclyn Lujan, Alyssa Lujan, Nicole Jaimes, Kristin Lujan, Maddy Lujan, Eddie Lujan III, and Lexy Lujan; great- granddaughter, Tiyana Henry; younger brother, Alvino Lujan and sister-in-law, Juanita Lujan; nephews, Alvino Lujan Jr., Michael Lujan and Javier Lujan; niece, Connie Duran; and many other beloved family and friends. Eddie was born in New Mexico on October 13, 1938, to Marciana Duran and Luz Lujan. He graduated from Arvin High School and was an amazing athlete. He was a stand out in track, cross country and football. Eddie retired from The Bakersfield Californian Newspaper after 40 years of service. He was an amazing family man who would and did anything for his children and especially grandkids and great- granddaughter. He never missed a sporting event, dance recital, cheerleading competitions or any event his kids or grandkids were involved in. He was a big volunteer for the Bakersfield College football team. He was the most open minded friendly man and always there for those who needed him. He was a member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Church and a member of the "YMI" (Men's Club). He was a faithful and religious man who loved God. He loved all sports and had a talent at coaching and commentating. His favorite teams were the Raiders, Los Angeles Lakers and Dodgers. He was famous for his running. He was an avid runner. He ran 10 to 20 miles a day. He even ran 12 to 15 miles the morning of his passing. Eddie entered many marathons and races. He promoted running and helped with causes all over through his running. Some of the causes, but not all, included helping raise money to purchase the football stadium lights for Garces High School, the American Heart Association and Cancer Research. He was a Bakersfield College Track and Field official for 30 years. Eddie ran over 100 marathons and races. Some of his running achievements include, but are not limited to Ten-100 mile marathons, Thirty-50 mile marathons and one of his most spectacular local achievements was running the Bakersfield marathon of 26 miles in 2 hours and 38 minutes. He ran every Los Angeles marathon and was a legacy runner. He received the Latino Award "Day of Americas" for Latino Sports Athlete of the Year. Eddie did not want to see people sad, he wanted a "Party" at his funeral. We love and miss him very much. There will be a viewing on Tuesday, August 8, 12:00 - 9:00 p.m., at Greenlawn Mortuary, 3700 River Blvd. A second viewing on Wednesday, August 9, at 3:00 p.m. followed by the Recitation of the Rosary at 4:00 p.m., at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, 601 E. California Avenue. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, August 10, at 9:30 a.m., at Our Lady of Guadalupe followed by the laying to rest at Greenlawn Memorial Park. For additional floral delivery call Greenlawn Mortuary, 324-9701.