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Category: Obituaries Obituaries
Published: 11 April 2019 11 April 2019

castanon 02Juan M. Castañon Jr., 64, a resident of Silver City, NM entered eternal rest Tuesday, April 9, 2019 at his residence surrounded by his family.  He was born December 8, 1954 in Silver City, NM to Juan S. Castañon Sr. and Bonifacia Martinez Castañon. Juan retired from the Forest Service after 20 years of service.  He was a car racer until 2000 at which time he won his race in his ’67 Camaro. He loved to do mechanical work on cars. He was an avid Barret Jackson and Street Outlaws car show movies. He was also an avid fan of the Minnesota Vikings since 1970. As far as education he had a BS in Computer Science at Western and New Mexico State. He was President of Mecha & El Centro de Cultura de Raza. President of Chicano Chamber of Commerce. Member of Grant Health Council 2005-2015. He passionately participated in handicap access at Western and the Forest Service. Juan loved to hunt until his health deteriorated. His final hunt was in 2010 when he got his 5x5 elk. He had a love for sci-fi movies, and all types of music and when he attended New Mexico State he was an avid concert goer. He was a proud father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

castanon 01He is survived by his loving wife Debra Villines Castañon of the family home; four sons, Ricardo Castañon and wife Lovinda of Phoenix, AZ; Ernesto Castañon and wife Theresa Phoenix, AZ; Juan Miguel Castañon and wife Marcia of San Antonio, TX; Mark Perea of Phoenix, AZ; three daughters, Luciana Castañon of Phoenix, AZ; Rebecca Castañon Ortega and husband Manuel of Weed, NM; Christal Pirtle and husband Robert of Mesa, AZ; eighteen grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; two brothers, David Castañon and wife Virginia of Bayard; Arturo Castañon and wife Lupe of Santa Clara; two sisters, Cristina Flores and husband Monce of Bayard; Mary Ann Jaurequi of Silver City; an aunt Lupe Martinez of Santa Clara.  He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Ernesto Castañon; one sister, Amelia Ortiz; two brother in-laws, Juan Jaurqui and Sam Ortiz. Visitation will be Sunday, April 14 from 5-6pm with the holy rosary being recited by his brother Deacon David Castañon beginning at 6pm at Terrazas Funeral Chapels. The funeral liturgy will be celebrated on Monday, April 15 at 10am at St. Vincent Catholic Church with Father Mike Williams officiating. Concluding service and interment will follow at St. Vincent cemetery. Pallbearers will be Ernesto Castañon Jr., Patrick Castañon, David Castañon, Isiah Castañon, Macario Castañon, and Hunter Pirtle. Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels “Trusted care for the ones you love” ~ 575-537-0777. To send condolences, visit www.terrazasfuneralchapel.com.