Daniel (Don) J. Estrada, a longtime resident of Lordsburg, New Mexico, passed away peacefully on February 5, 2026, in Safford, Arizona, with his family by his side.
Recitation of the Holy Rosary will be at 9:00 am on Saturday February 28, 2025 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Lordsburg, New Mexico. The Funeral Liturgy will follow at 10:00 am. The Rite of Committal and burial will follow at Shakespeare Cemetery with military honors accorded. Officiating will be Father Jude Okonkwo. Honorary pallbearers are Miguel Ramirez, Alfred Ramirez, Mario Ramirez, Frankie Estrada, Adrian Estrada, Michael Elias, Jaime Alvarez, Ray Renteria.
Don was born on November 9, 1932, in Lordsburg, New Mexico to Augustina Jaurique. Don attended the Lordsburg schools graduating in 1951. While in high school he was active on the football team, playing wide receiver. He enjoyed painting, gardening, and he especially enjoyed the company of his family. He could often be seen playing his guitar and joining in sing-alongs with his nephews during family get-togethers. While in high school up until he joined the Navy, Don was very involved with St. Joseph's Catholic Church. He helped prepare the masses for the priests, attended to the vestments and served as an altar boy during the masses. He helped serve at funeral masses, weddings, baptisms and would do whatever was needed. Even in his later years, while he could no longer help serve, Don would make his way to the front of the altar prepared to ring the church bell at the right moment. Don also had a beautiful voice and enjoyed singing in and with the church choir.
Don served in the Navy from December 5, 1951 through November 30, 1955. He served in the Korean War. He also served on the New Mexico Army National Guard and was honorably discharged from service in May 1982. Upon completion of his service in the Navy, Don was employed in various capacities working in the Banner Mine in Lordsburg, New Mexico, Phelps Dodge in Clifton, Arizona, the Welcome Center, and the Department of Transportation (Port of Entry), from where he ultimately retired. After his retirement from the Department of Transportation, Don volunteered with Tresco, where he distributed commodities to the community. He continued to spend time serving the Lord through his service at St. Joseph's Catholic Church. Don was a quiet man, a man of few words; a very generous, kind-hearted gentleman. He enjoyed helping people. He always had a smile or as some people would say "a smirk". He enjoyed his morning coffee and cookies. He never left home without his comb.
Don is preceded in death by his mother, Augustina Jaurique Estrada, his wife Margaret, brothers Mateo, Martin, Jesus (Chuey), Margo Estrada, sisters Juana (Johnny) Hernandez, Juanita Ramirez, Petra Renteria and Mary Valdez. Don leaves behind his daughter Terry Estrada (Steve) and son Anson Charles (Pete) Estrada (Beverly), grandchildren Pete and Leslie and one great grandchild Tate, as well as his wife Margaret's children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and many other family members and friends whose lives he touched throughout his time here on earth.
Refreshments honoring Don will be held immediately after the burial at the Lordsburg Special Events Center. Family and friends are invited to gather and share memories honoring Don. Don was all about faith, family and love. His presence will be deeply missed
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