Donald T. Luna, 83, a lifelong resident of Chloride, NM, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Tuesday, December 24, 2024.

Donald was born on April 1, 1941, to Santos Luna and Rafaelita Trujillo. He was the youngest of nine children. A true cowboy at heart, Donald was known for his hardworking nature and strong work ethic. He worked on the Sage Ranch and other local ranches, the Gila National Forest Service at the Beaverhead Fire Station, and the Naval Space Surveillance Station in Engle. Later, he moved back to Chloride and worked for the New Mexico State Highway Department until his retirement in 1998.

Donald had a deep love for ranching and found peace in the outdoors, whether hunting, camping, or taking road trips. He was also a gifted musician, playing both the fiddle and accordion. Above all, Donald loved spending time with his family and friends, often dancing and reminiscing about the good ol’ days. He had a special ability to make friends wherever he went, never meeting a stranger. He was a proud member of the Moose Lodge and a faithful parishioner of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church.

Donald is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Elsie M. Luna; his children- Donnie Luna, Ernie Luna and his wife, Susie, and Yolanda Sanchez and her husband, Joe; Grandchildren: Dustin Luna, Kelsy Luna (Chris), McKenzie Luna (Cliff), Tyler Luna, Daniel Luna, Gregory Luna, Kacyne Sanchez, Braden Sanchez (Sophia), and Cheyann Bartram; and his great-grandchildren: Rhydin Luna, Brecklie Mahaffey, Ember Mahaffey, and Henry Pirtle. He is also survived by numerous other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Santos and Rafaelita Luna, and his siblings: Flavio Luna, Simona Fletcher, Carolina Standley, Amado Luna, Flor Luna, Santos Luna, Herminia Luna, and Jennie Lucero.

Services for Mr. Luna will be held on Saturday, January 4, 2025, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church. The schedule will be as follows: Visitation at 9:00 A.M., Prayer Vigil at 10:00 A.M., and Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 A.M., officiated by Rev. Michael Williams. Donald will be laid to rest at the Santo Niño Cemetery in Chloride, NM. After the burial, the family invites everyone to join them for a meal at the Winston Community Center.

Serving as pallbearers will be Travis Luna, Josh Mays, Bill Williams, Johnny Fletcher, Joe Sanchez, Kristie Hawkins, and Isaac Lopez. Honorary pallbearers include Dustin Luna, Kelsy Luna, Tyler Luna, Daniel Luna, Gregory Luna, Kacyne Sanchez, Braden Sanchez, Rhydin Luna, Brecklie Mahaffey, Ember Mahaffey, Dora Miranda, and Sophia Sedillo.