Joe Lujan

1932 - 2016

Joe M. Lujan, 83, long time resident of Las Cruces, entered eternal rest Friday June 17 at Mountain View Regional Hospital surrounded by his loving family.
"How can we express our love
For this giant we all know
Who now has joined the angels
Where God want to go

Gentle giants don't come in bunches
As flowers sometimes do
We are lucky in a lifetime
To meet just one or two

Tis not to morn his passing
Remember how tall he stood
His life was no mere promise
He gave the best he could

Each life has its promise
A rose garden isn't one
Reward comes to only those
Who work till task is done"
-Unknown author

To celebrate his life, visitation will be held in the evening, Wednesday June 22, 2016 at 6 o'clock in the Cathedral of the Immaculate Heart of Mary 1240 S. Espina Street in Las Cruces, followed by Prayer Vigil at 7 o'clock. The Funeral Mass will be held in the morning, Thursday June 23, 2016 at 10 o'clock at Cathedral of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. The Rite of Committal and Interment with Military Honors at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens 5140 W. Picacho Avenue.
He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 59 years, Martha Ludwig Lujan and his two daughters that thought the world of him, Marlene Lujan Thompson, husband Joe of Los Lunas, and Lucinda Lujan Rivas, fiancé Peter E. Duran of Las Cruces. He had 5 beautiful grandchildren, Brandy Samaniego, husband Ignacio Castillo of Los Lunas; Kelly Fischer, husband Alexander of Albuquerque; Amanda Jo Rivas and companion James Vaccaro of Albuquerque; Tyler Rivas and Jace Rivas of Las Cruces; and 3 great-grandchildren: Juanito, Mallory, and Santiago "Beso." He also leaves behind brother, JJ Lujan; sisters, Beatrice "Lilia" Martinez, Jovita Madrid, Rosa Archuleta, husband Enrique, and Mercy Smith, husband William "Bill." Along with many nieces, nephews and cousins. Joe is preceded in death by his parents, Jesus and Maria Lujan; brother, Roque Lujan; sisters, Albertina Barela and Rosalie Carrillo all of Las Cruces.
Joe was born in Mesilla, on December 29, 1932. At the age of 5, the Lujan Family purchased a farm in Hill, NM, just north of Las Cruces where he was raised and lived until his death. Joe is a graduate of Las Cruces High School where is participated in FFA and was an accomplished athlete in basketball and baseball. Shortly after high school, Joe was drafted into the United States Army (1954), sent to basic training at Ft. Bliss, the was sent overseas to Mainz, Germany with the 259th Missile Battalion. He proudly served until given an Honorable Discharge due to the death of his father. It was one month later that he met his soulmate and loving wife, Martha. He proposed on her high school graduation day and they were married a short time later on September 22, 1956. Joe and his brothers, Roque and JJ took over the family farm where they planted various crops, but earned their fame for being one of the 1st to sell New Mexico long green chile. Lujan Farms had the longest U-Pick farm in the Mesilla Valley where many generations picked their own fresh green chile and vegetables. Through this, Joe and the farm were featured on CNN's Headline News, The Associated Press wrote an article that was released in publications all over the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, and had multiple interviews in local media. Along with his farming contributions, Joe managed two cooperative cotton gins for 31 years in Dona Ana and Mesilla. As an elected official, he served 2 terms as a Dona Ana County Commissioner (District 5) where he fought to revise ETZ ordinances for property owners and most notable, leading the fight against El Paso Electric seeking lower rates. After a year of litigation, a 10% rate reductions was negotiated. Joe also served as a President of the Mesilla Valley Ginner's Association, a member of NMSU Cotton Advisory Board and New Mexico Farm Bureau. In his younger years, he played baseball and managed the Dona Ana Dodger that acquired many fans that would follow the team. His love of sports continued through age. He was a devout Catholic and member of Holy Cross Catholic Church and Our Lady of Purification.
Despite his farming and professional accomplishments, to his family he was so much more. He was our rock, our light, our inspiration, protector and Hero. He expressed unconditional love for family, neighbors and friends, calling his sisters, brother, and dear friends daily. He would always greet you with a welcoming hand shake and good conversation. He was best known for his warm smile, giving spirit and hugs, he never met a stranger, and will be missed by many.
Casket bearers will be Joe Thompson, Peter E. Duran, Ignacio Castillo, Alexander Fischer, James Vaccaro, Enrique "Kiki" Lujan, Robert "Bobby" Lujan, and Joe Val Barela. Honorary Pallbearers are William "Bill" Smith, Ernest Garcia, William Henry "Bill" Ludwig, Arthur Johnson, and Bill Garrett.
The Lujan Family has entrusted their loved one to the care of Baca's Funeral Chapels of Las Cruces, 300 E. Boutz Road. 527-2222 Your exclusive providers for "Veterans and Family Memorial Care". For online condolences logon to www.bacasfuneralchapelslascruces.com