Alfredo H. Lujan

Alfredo H. Lujan, 82, longtime resident of Las Cruces died Thursday, November 12, 2009 with his loving wife, Esther, by his side. Alfredo was born May 01, 1927 in Vanadium, New Mexico to Alfredo and Julieta Lujan. Having lost his father as an infant, Alfredo and his mother, aunts, uncles and cousins persevered through the Great Depression and developed a work ethic and commitment to family that would become the foundation of his life. He grew up in the hills of western New Mexico and in El Paso where he was raised by his mother and extended family.

Alfredo proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during WWII, including assignments at Camp Roberts Infantry Training Camp, Fort Riley, Fort Williams Harbor Defenses of Portland, Maine and Fort Ord, California. Upon his return to El Paso he found employment driving a street car then a bus between downtown El Paso and Ciudad Juarez. It was while driving that bus that his eye was caught by a lovely dental receptionist in Juarez. He then made it a point to stop often in front of the dentist's office. He courted Esther until they were married on April 19, 1955.

Along with his wife, Esther and his mother, Julieta, he was the original owner of Lujan Bakery. He established Lujan Bakery in 1955 on Church Street in the old downtown area of Las Cruces. He enjoyed reminiscing of days when he would peddle his bread door to door in Old Mesilla and throughout the valley, often times meeting up with dogs nipping at his heels. His friendly ways and engaging personality soon built his steady clientele which would follow him for a lifetime. Alfredo worked up and down the Mesilla Valley and beyond, delivering Mexican pastries from Lujan Bakery that were enjoyed by several generations throughout the area for forty years. His customers became his dear friends over the years.

Alfredo retired in 1995. Having suffered numerous illnesses, he persevered and enjoyed the unending devotion of a loving and caring wife, along with the love and friendship of family and friends until his death. His life's treasures were his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He never failed to express his great pride in their accomplishments and aspirations. His legacy will live on in all of them and he will be forever missed.

Alfredo had a deep faith beginning with his early years as altar server at Immaculate Conception Church in El Paso. Through the years he kept his faith through bible readings and was often found in silent prayer.

He is survived by his loving wife of fifty-four-years, Esther Lujan; his children, Christina Aceves of El Paso, Alfredo and Cynthia Lujan of Clovis, Rene and Mary Lujan, Carmen (Lujan) and Dean Davidson all of Las Cruces; daughter-in-law, Dora Lujan; his grandchildren, Alfredo, Lisa, Rebecca, Anthony, Mia, Christopher, Joseph, Miguel, Hannah, Tomas, Elena, and Elisa; his great-grandchildren, Katie, Jackson, Juliette, Madeline, Raymond, Robert, Rene and Marisol. He was preceded in death by his parents, a son, Miguel and a daughter, Rosemary.

At his request cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, November 20, 2009 at the Basilica de San Albino in Mesilla, with Father Ron Burke, officiating. Private inurnment of cremains will be held by the family at a later date.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Baca's Funeral Chapels and Sunset Crematory, 300 E. Boutz Road, Las Cruces. 527-2222