Daniel Estrada (Dannie) past peacefully into heaven on May 2, 2023, in Tucson, AZ. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Louise; his three children: Danita Charlanne, Russell Glen, and Kenneth Patrick and his wife Kelley; his six grandchildren: Michael Patrick, Sarah Leann, Emily Marie, Joshua Russell, Danielle Suzanne, and Austin Russell. He is also survived by his seven great grandchildren: Spencer, Kinsey, Michael, Ezra, Dale, Brooks and August. It should be noted that his first child, Charles Daniel, and his first grandchild, Cassey Kay, were waiting for him upon his arrival in heaven. His favorite thing in the world was his family: his wife and immediate family; his extended family; and even friends.
Teresita (Teddy) Kelley Garcia and Jose Claro Guerra Estrada brought Dannie into this world on April 10, 1932, in Fierro, NM. He had two sisters and seven brothers, except for his brother Wilford, all have joined their parents on the other side. Danny was very active as a boy and youth. He worked as a ranch hand and played basketball for Reserve High School. He graduated in 1950 and enlisted in the United States Army and served in the Korean War advanced to the rank of corporal. The very night he returned from his military service; he met Jerry Louise Fortune at a high school dance in Reserve. He was wearing his full military uniform. After he met her, he would go outside, have a sip of beer, and change one article of clothing over the course of an hour. The deal was sealed when he came back in wearing his cowboy hat. They dated for 6 months and were married on January 19, 1956, in Luna, NM.
Dannie chose to follow his father-in-law’s career path and joined the Bureau of Public Roads (later the Federal Highways Administration) in 1962. With no formal university education, he advanced to the role of project engineer and was responsible for construction projects including the High-Speed Railway Test Track in Pueblo, CO; and main entrance roads to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, Mt. Rushmore and Chaco Canyon National Parks. He retired in 1997 but took on an engineering consultant role with Engineer’s Inc. in Silver City, NM from 2002 until 2007. Dannie also served on the Luna Water Board and Luna Rodeo Committee in the early 2000’s.
Dannie was a very spiritual man, but he never wore his religion on his sleeve. He didn’t formally attend any church but found peace in the small churches and beliefs of his family and friends throughout Catron County. His bride was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He was supportive in his family’s participation in the Church over the many years and miles driving his kids back and forth from their home to the church building. Dannie chose to worship God in his own way (along with the Denver Broncos). In June 1990 he chose to be baptized in the Church and was later sealed to Louise and his family in the Mesa Arizona Temple in 1993. He faithfully served in his congregations until his health was severely compromised in 2007 due to failed surgery which left him confined to a wheelchair and a brain injury. In spite of it all, for the past 16 years, he loved and praised God in his private and unique way.
The visitation will be on Saturday, May 13 at 10:00am at Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Luna, New Mexico. The funeral service will immediately follow at 11:00am, with Bishop Steve Dailey officiating. Full Military Honors will take place outside the Church following the service. The interment will take place at Luna Cemetery following the Honors. Pallbearers are Mike Estrada (grandson), Joshua Estrada (grandson), Austin Estrada(grandson), Sam Nicolds(nephew), Lary Nicolds(nephew), Davey Estrada(nephew), Tony Armijo(great nephew), Michael Smith(great nephew) and Randy Graham (great nephew). Honorary Pallbearers are Russ Estrada (son), Wilford Estrada (brother), Richard Nocolds (brother-in-law), Tony Estrada (nephew), Gogi Estrada(nephew), Robert Estrada(nephew), Bobby Armijo (nephew), Ray Vasquez(nephew), Ralph Gonzalez(nephew), Lane Nicolds(nephew), Daniel Nicolds(nephew), Kelly Nicolds(nephew), Randy Armijo(great nephew), Matt Armijo (great nephew), Ty Armijo(great nephew) and Jack Armijo(great nephew).
Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels “Trusted care for the ones you love” ~ 575-537-0777. To send condolences, visit www.terrazasfuneralchapel.com.