Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Ernest Joseph Lujan

Ernest Joseph Lujan, 86, of Sun City Arizona, passed away in his home on Monday, February 13, 2012, while surrounded by his family.  Ernie, fondly remembered as “Bumps” or “Bumpa” was born on March 14, 1925 to Ben and Florence Lujan in Vallorso, Colorado. 

He served as a Seaman Second Class in the U.S. Navy during World War II.  Ernie was a life member of Veterans of Foreign Wars.  During his military service, Ernie received several campaign medals; the Asiatic Pacific Area Campaign, American Area Campaign, World War II Victory and the Philippine Liberation.  Ernie retired from the Continental Can Company in Sacramento, California in the early 80’s.   He has resided in Sacramento California; Farmington, New Mexico; Trinidad, Denver and Durango, Colorado.

Ernie was preceded in death by his wife Patricia who succumbed to her death in 1985 after a long battle with cancer.  They are survived by three sons, Ernest Jr, Ronald, and Steven; two daughters, Joanne Jacquez and Sandra Lujan-Gonzales.  He is survived by his wife of 12 years, Leona, four step sons, Steven, Mark, Jeffery and Todd Vaughn, many grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great great grandchildren.  He is also survived by his youngest brother Max Lujan and numerous nephews and nieces.   

Services will be held at Avenidas Funeral Chapel, 522 East Western Avenue, Avondale, Arizona, on Thursday, February 16.  Viewing will begin at 5:00 pm, with the Memorial Services and Rosary to begin at 6:30 p.m.   Graveside services will be held at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, 23029 North Cave Creek Road, Phoenix, Arizona at 9:30 a.m. on Friday, February  17th. 

Though Bumps loved nature, hunting, fishing, hiking, taking scenic pictures, watching western movies and listening to country music, his greatest passion was playing golf.  He will be forever loved and missed by all his family and many friends.  In lieu of flowers, those who wish to make memorial gifts, please make donations to your local Hospice, Veterans of Foreign Wars or a donation of your choice.

Please feel free to share your condolences with the family and also your thoughts with friends. Perhaps a short funny moment or cherished time you spent with this loved family member who will sorely be missed and forever remembered.


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15 comments:

  1. It was a great pleasure knowing 'BIG ERN'.
    Happily, we entertained each other!
    My fond memmories to the Family.
    Mike Collins

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  2. My sweet Uncle Ernie - when I was a child, he always gave me his pocket change! I will cherish the many times that he welcomed me into his home and treated me to his delicious chile and great wine! Uncle - I will miss you! Lovingly, niece Gina

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  3. Ernie, so many fond memories. Bowling, darts in your living room, softball games and fights LOL, and the time you helped me move in the rain and walking out my door just in time to see you sliding down the sidewalk on your tummy. You were a great guy and a good friend. May you rest in peace.

    Candy Sheehan

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  4. Bumpa im going to miss dearly. I loved calling you every week to talk about golf and just life. Things will never be the same without you. You taught me so much, things will never be the same. All the fishing trips when I was a little boy the greatest times of my life Bumpa. I hope I can be grandfather like you to my grandchildren. My tears wont stop bumpa I love you so much! Your grandson Eddie.

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  5. Dear Uncle Ernie may God be with you and may you rest in peace in heaven with friends and relatives. My fond memories of uncle Ernie is in my youth when auntie Patsy and uncle Ernie lived on Tenaya Av, this was within walking distance of my house. I especially remember the holidays with uncle Ernie's house full of friends and family. I can remember uncle seated at his kitchen table just enjoying all the joy and happiness. Many of these good times were captured on 8mm home movies (by my Dad, David Rea). In that kitchen I also remember uncle Ernie watching his Pro-Football games (this was back in the 50's-60's, Old School Football) my first memory of many of my own years of viewing NFL. Uncle Ernie also loved his fishing, reminding me of the many trips to Topaz Lake in Nevada with his brothers and my Dad. I never went on these trips but they always said they caught fish. I recently learned that Topaz Lake has a nice little Resort/Casino along its shoreline so I realized why they were so fond of going on that fishing trip. Dear Uncle Ernie I love you, you will be greatly missed. I would like to offer my most sincere condolences to my cousins; Ernie (JR), Ronald, Joanne, Stevie and Sandra and to all their family. Our thoughts and prayers are with Uncle Ernie and all his family.
    Sincerely
    Michael and Sheila Lopez

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  6. My family and I had the privilege of ernie coming to joplin mo. to spend time with all of moms family down here,he was a great person and an even greater husband to my mother, we will always love him and grateful for taken such good care of are mother Sincerely Todd vaughn and family

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    Replies
    1. Todd I could not have asked for a better wife for my grandfather. I love you Leona! You made my bumpa so happy! Eddie Ramirez

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    2. jennifer vaughn huffFebruary 19, 2012 at 2:06 PM

      Although i only seen Ernie a handful of times I feel as though I've known him forever! What a great person and wonderful husband to my Grandma! He will be truly missed. To his family, may the peace which comes from the memories of love shared comfort you now and in the days ahead. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

      Jennifer Vaughn Huff

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  7. Sweet Thing, Mr. Awesome, My Bro, My shipmate, we will miss you dearly. Thank you for all the good times we spent fishing, golfing, hunting together. Thank you for accepting me as one of your brothers even though you were my Uncle. Leona(Mrs. Awesome), thank you for extending my Bro's life, we love you. Bro, we had some adventures that will never be forgotten. As you board the ship that will take you to heaven, don't forget your rod, bucket of minnows and a bobber. Your Bro, Ben, and Fern.

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  8. Bumpa, We all love you and you will missed very much. It was a blessing to have been part of your life. All the good eats and fun golf will be missed. Leona take care and thank you for all that you have done for Bumpa. We love you all and God Bless.

    Montano Family

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  9. I will always remember his zest for life and all that it offered, his sence of humor and love for his family and friends.

    locento, Pablo

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  10. A good father, a good friend and a hero to your country. You will be missed.
    Jeff Lewis

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  11. This poem for my sweet sweet darling.

    Love is when each morning you wake up with a smile,because someone very special makes your life worth while. Love is unselfish right from the start its when you lovingly give each other your heart. It stills your restless heart its running and its fleeing and helps you understand the purpose of your being. Love is never ending and cannot be forgot and often is found when not even sought.

    Loving you forever Leona.

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  12. Leona, I want to thank you for all the love you gave my dad, and all the happenes you brought in his life, I will miss the times at your house when you and dad made me laugh so much, and I loved you for that, i will miss you with all my heart but will still have you in my life, again thank you, Leona I love you with all my heart. JoAnn

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  13. I loved you so much , you are missed greatly uncle....you will always remain close to my heart uncle....love you nephew... Sonny Lujan

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