John Gutierrez Luna

John “Johnny” Gutierrez Luna passed away peacefully in his sleep at his home in Silver City, New Mexico on January 25, 2026, at the age of 87. Johnny was born on February 7, 1938, in Hillsboro, New Mexico to George and Ophelia Luna. After graduating high school in Truth or Consequences, he moved to California where he met his beloved Carolyn whom he married on November 11, 1959. In 1971 he moved his family from La Verne, California to Silver City, New Mexico – his heart always belonged to the beautiful “Land of Enchantment.” Johnny was a shining light in the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing him. No doubt, the first thing anyone will say about him is he had the most boisterous sense of humor and infectious laugh, no one could be in his presence without hilarity ensuing. He never knew a stranger, he was very outgoing, very much a “people person”, you could never go anywhere with him without him sparking up a conversation with each and everyone in the room. Growing up in Hillsboro was not easy, especially for a family of eight. They had no indoor plumbing, so, as a child, Johnny drew water from a well every day. His father worked in the mines and when Johnny was a young teenager, his father took action to save the life of a co worker which caused injuries that resulted in the amputation of one of his arms and one of his legs; in those days there was no compensation when someone was injured on the job and, therefore, unable to work any longer, so as the eldest son, Johnny became the man of the house taking on the responsibility of taking care of the family. He was a hard worker and rose up from a life of poverty to being successful and providing a good and comfortable life for his family. He had a strong work ethic, setting an excellent example for his children. Johnny was highly intelligent, he had a “photographic” memory especially with the gift of remembering dates, he could tell you the birth date and date of death of every friend and relative. He was an inventor, holding several patents; he was always coming up with ideas and ingenious ways to fix or improve every little thing. He was a draftsman and designed and planned dream homes for many families in Silver City. Johnny is survived by his wife of 65 years, Carolyn Luna; his children, Anthony Luna, Georgia Luna Edgar (Ralph), Joseph Luna (Trish); his brother Stan Luna and sister-in-law, Velia, his brother George Luna; his grandchildren, Boden, Krystal, Heather, Alyssa, Jovan, Madison, and Mason, great-grandchildren, Tristan, Rylee, Brayden, Devon, Jose; and a host of cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, George and Ophelia Luna, and his sisters, Vera Luna Yniguez, Emma Luna Duran, and Gloria Luna Dines. There will be a Celebration of Life reception at noon on Friday, January 30, at the Hillsboro Community Center, 316 Elenora St., Hillsboro, NM 88042.

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