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BORN
1934
DIED
2023
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Richard Luna Obituary
June 10, 1934
January 23, 2023
Richard Lee Luna, Sr. 88 years old of Colorado Springs, passed away at home surrounded by his loving family.
He was born in Minturn, Colorado to Agnes (Vigil) Luna and Nick Luna. Richard grew up in Salida, Colorado and Canon City, Colorado before moving to Pueblo, Colorado where he attended high school and graduated from Pueblo Catholic High in 1952. After high school, Richard joined the United States Navy and served four years. While on leave in 1955 he met the love of his life Ercilia Duran.
They married September 1, 1956 and were married for 66 years. From their union together Richard and Ercilia had four children; Richard, Russ, Patrick and Kelly.
Richard attended UNC where he earned his bachelor's degree in teaching in 1960. He then attended Colorado College earning his Master's degree in 1964. Under the National Defense Education Act he attended the University of Kentucky & the University of West Virginia. He also attended Midwest Beauty College and obtained his cosmotology license.
Richard taught French at Widefield High School for 30 years and was a French professor at UCCS for 15 years. In 1985-1986 Richard taught in Chamonix, France on a Full Bright teacher exchange. After retirement, Richard was a probate genealogist finding lost money and connecting it to their heirs.
Richard also with much success was an author, writer, publisher and researcher.
Richard was a member of the Genealogical Society of Hispanic America and also the Germania club which included being Vice President, Secretary, Newsletter writer and Publisher for over 40 years.
Richard Luna is survived by his loving wife, Ercilia of the home and children, Russ Luna of Denver, Co. and Kelly Jeffers (Rodney) of Denver, Co. His sister Lillian Luna of Mesa, Az. And brother, David Luna (LeAnn) of Denver, Co. and special Uncle Bernie Vigil (Allison) of Pueblo, Colorado and many cousins. Grandchildren, Rodney Jeffers (Nadine) of Arvada, Co., Theresa Luna (David) of Florida, Haley Jeffers Trujillo (Gabriel) of Brighton, Co., and Victor Luna of Denver, Co. Great Grandchildren, Ezekiel Jeffers, Natalya Jeffers, Hendrix Jeffers, Elijah Fiedler, Leila Bedford, Thomas Hernandez, Sofyia Hernandez, Gabriel Trujillo and Jacob Trujillo. Two Nieces; LuAnn Garcia and Nikki Pacheco.
Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Nick and Agnes Luna, baby sister, Joanne of 3 years old, Grandparents, Josephine and Joe Vigil. Sons Patrick Luna, and Richard Luna, Jr. and grandson, Patrick R. Luna.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Dominic Catholic Church on Thursday, February 9, 2023 at 11 am. Visitation will be at the church from 9:30-10:30 am. The Holy Rosary will be recited at 10:30 am. Reception will follow the mass. Graveside Committal services with Military honors conducted by the United States Navy will be held at 2 pm at Evergreen Cemetery in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy can be left at www.dove-witt.com for the Luna family.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Richard Luna
5 Entries
Peggy Torres
February 9, 2023
Prayers & blessings to Mrs. Luna, Russ & Kelly. Pat was a good friend to me. Mr. Luna was always kind & friendly while at school & when seen at Holy Family. He made such a positive impact on all. You have a beautiful family. God bless.
Gary Knowlton
February 5, 2023
Very heartbroken by the loss of my friend, Ricardo Luna. I had the honor of knowing him, as the very gentle, soft-spoken, humble and friendly man that he was. I also had the privilege of being of being of service to him for a time as Ricardo's caregiver, when I worked for Cornerstone Caregivers.
Im very saddened by his loss and for his broken hearted love ones left behind. My deepest condolences and sympathies go out to the entire Luna family and my prayers for their well-being and their comfort from the Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18:
13. "But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep (have passed away), that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.
14. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.
15. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.
16. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
17. Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
18. Wherefore Comfort one another with these words."
Liane Ballard
February 5, 2023
My condolences to his family, for he was my French teacher in high school and I use to go over his house along with a few of my classmates. We spend time with his family. Ever so often I would see him around town. I have very fond memories of him, as he made an impact in my life. Never to be forgotten of a wonderful man. May your memories and knowing he is there for you always in many ways. Love Liane (Daniel) Christine
John A Cunningham
February 5, 2023
My colleague Richard was the heart of the Widefield Foreign Language department, a published local history author but, above all, the kindest gentleman I had the privilege to teach with.
Brianne Smith
February 2, 2023
May the love of friends and family carry you through your loss. Mr. Luna will be missed!
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