It is with our deepest heartfelt sadness and sorrow to announce the passing of the foundation of our family, Abran Mawson Madrid, whom entered eternal life on the morning of Wednesday, March 1, 2023, in Las Cruces, New Mexico at the age of 87. A man who stepped from one type of service into another. Seamlessly going from protecting and serving his country, dedicating 35 years of service at White Sands Missile Range, to providing for his family and serving his community. Abran was born to Abran and Susan Madrid on February 27, 1936 in Silver City, New Mexico.
He earned a New Mexico High School GED from the State of New Mexico Department on May 14, 1968. He then went on to complete Airborne Training School in Fort Campbell, Kentucky graduating with flying colors on February 19, 1955. He served in the military as part of the 11th Airborne Infantry for a period of 4 years (1954 - 1957). Upon completion of serving his country, Abran moved to Las Cruces, New Mexico and started working at White Sands Missile Range for a tenure of 35 years. He held the position of Directorate of Engineering, Housing and Logistics. As the lead foreman he led the paint, woodworking, electrical and logistics department.
During his tenure at White Sands Missile Range, he helped engineer, construct, and paint a podium for the visit of President John F. Kennedy on June 5, 1963, where he delivered a memorable speech. Abran Mawson Madrid was awarded the certificate in recognition of thirty-five years of service for White Sands Missile Range and the Government of the United States of America from General Richard W. Wharton on January 22, 1992.
He loved all sports, especially boxing, and had many accomplishments which included serving his community through acts of service. He was a dedicated family man and grandfather. His true love was living vicariously through his grandchildren by attending sports events, graduations, celebrations, and get togethers.
He met his spouse, Mary Ann Murillo, in 1958 after completing military duty. Abran on occasion would see Mary Ann as she would make her morning walk to the All-Women St. Mary’s Catholic Academy and would kindly offer her a ride, in which she consistently denied. He had the courage and persistence to ask her out at her house by asking Mary Ann’s dad Speedy Murillo and with that old school chivalry she agreed to date him. From then on, they were inseparable. They did everything together, went everywhere together, never did anything without each-other. They were madly, deeply, and truly in love. They went everywhere hand in hand. She was the love of his life as well as he was hers. Around the house Abran would playfully argue and joke with Mary Ann but at the end of the nights he would always make amends. They were married on November 16, 1959 in Silver City, New Mexico and recently celebrated 63 years of marriage.
Abran loved his family deeply, every one of them, and also loved all his friends for which he had many. He always talked about his family and friends, the good and the bad times he had with them all. He was a true family man to the end.
He is survived by his loving wife Mary Ann Madrid; sister Petie Chavez (Roy); 2 brother-in Laws, Gilbert, and David Murrilo; his children, Mike Luna (Tammy), Larry Madrid (Norma), Jerry Madrid (Laura), Martha Madrid (Ruben), Gary Madrid (Emily) and Suzie Herrera (Chris); grandchildren, Anthony Madrid, Nathan Madrid, Orlando Madrid, Adam Luna, Jared Madrid, Zeke Herrera, Tommy Montoya, Gary Jr. Madrid, Gabriel Madrid, Emily Madrid, Danika Herrera-Holguin, Angela Ruiz and 16 great-grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Abran and Susie Madrid; his siblings, Robert (Bobby) Madrid, Esperanza Enriquez, Mable Gallegos, Susie Holguin and his grandkids, Jeremy Madrid, and Michael Luna Jr.
Recitation of the Holy Rosary will be recited Monday, March 13, 2023 at 6 o’clock in the evening at Holy Cross Roman Catholic Church in Las Cruces. The Memorial Mass will be celebrated the following day at 10 o’clock in the morning also at Holy Cross Roman Catholic Church with Fr. Richard Catanach, Pastor, officiating. The rite of committal and interment will follow at Ft. Bayard National Cemetery at 2 o’clock in the afternoon with Military Honors to be accorded and rendered by the United States Army. Cremation has been entrusted to Baca’s Mimbres Crematory.
Honorary Pallbearers will include Anthony Madrid, Orlando Madrid, Jared Madrid, Zeke Herrera, Gary Jr. Madrid, Adam Luna, Nathan Madrid, Gabriel Madrid, Tommy Montoya, Emily Tinajero, Danika Herrera-Holguin, and Angela Ruiz.