Cristobal Duran

Cristóbal Manuel Durán, a lifelong resident of Peñasco, NM, passed away peacefully on Monday, January 12, 2026, at the age of 53.

He was preceded in death by his loving father, Felix L. Durán; paternal grandparents, Margarito Durán and Cordelia Gonzales; maternal grandmother, Margarita Herrera; maternal great-grandmother, Matilde Medina; and brother-in-law, Chris Gonzalez.

Cristóbal, the youngest of six siblings and the beloved baby of the family, lived a life deeply rooted in service to his country, community, and family. He proudly served in the U.S. Army National Guard, including deployment during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

He worked as a security officer at the NM State Penitentiary and later as a diesel mechanic at Los Alamos National Laboratory. Cristóbal also faithfully served his community through numerous leadership roles, including Vice President of Kit Carson Electric Cooperative, President of the Rodarte Water Association, and Brother of the Knights of Columbus.

Above all else, Cristóbal was a devoted father and grandfather, the beloved “cool” uncle, and a loyal friend. He found freedom and joy on the open road, riding his Harley with his sons and friends, as well as in hunting, fishing, and cheering on the Lobos. Remembered for his warm smile, infectious laughter, and generous spirit, Cristóbal’s legacy of service, love, and loyalty will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know him.

He is survived by his loving mother, Lillian Durán; his children, Christopher Durán (Angelica), Ryan Durán (Jessica), and Jazlyn Durán (Joseph); and his grandchildren, Aspen Lillian Durán, Christopher Carson Durán, Montana Jayce Griego, Emily, Elena, and Elivia.

He is also survived by his siblings, Steve Durán (Irene), Raul Durán (Marcy), Leroy Durán (Henrietta), Matilda Gonzalez (Louis), and Carmen Gabaldon (Clarence), as well as his nieces and nephews, Micayla, Adam, Desiree, Felix, Noah, Camille, Martin, Nick, Kayla, and Estrella, along with many other loving family members and friends.

Serving as pallbearers will be Christopher Durán, Ryan Durán, Felix Gurule, Raul Durán, Leroy Durán, and Noah Durán.

Rosary will be recited on Monday, January 26, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. at San Antonio de Padua Church in Peñasco, NM. Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., also at San Antonio de Padua Church. Burial will follow at Santa Fe National Cemetery at 2:00 p.m.

A meal will be held afterward at the Fraternal Order of Eagles (833 Early Street) in Santa Fe, NM.

The family of Cristobal Duran has entrusted the care of their loved one to the caring staff of DeVargas Funeral Home of Taos. www.devargastaos.com 1-866-657-4019