Johnny Duran was born in the mining town of Jerome, Arizona on August 9, 1932, to Trinidad and Lenor Duran. He left this earth to join his Heavenly Father on June 1, 2019. In 1945 he moved to California and as his family traveled through the Central Valley during harvest season, he eventually settled in Hanford. There he found the love of his life, Gloria Valdez and married her in 1952. He was called to service and served in the Army for two years. He was proud to wear his Korean Veteran cap until his last day.
Although he left school after the 8th grade to support his family, he was self-taught and eventually learned a trade as a carpenter. Not only did he use those skills to expand his small house by adding room additions as his family grew, he left his hammer mark on numerous homes and buildings in Hanford. When he retired after 35 years with the Carpenters Union, he kept busy helping family and friends with his carpentry skills.
One of Johnny's passions was fishing. He loved teaching this skill to his children and grandchildren, nieces and nephews and spent many peaceful hours fishing where he built deep personal friendships. The Kings River was his home away from home and his family and friends carry on fond memories of riding in his boat and enjoying the day in the sun and waterskiing or fishing.
His love and generosity for others was overwhelming. You'd often find him stopping by your door for a short visit and during harvest seasons, he would personally deliver produce to friends. His homemade olives were loved by all and he shared them abundantly. He enjoyed working in his yard and garden, and his love for animals was apparent with all the pets he had and cared for.
Johnny is survived by his wife Gloria, whom he was married to for 66 years. His son John and wife Maria, daughter Laura and husband Tim, and son Greg and wife Belinda, 10 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. His sisters Eloise Gaitan, Mamie Santillan, Eleanor Brindle, and brother Joe Duran. He was preceded in death by his son Victor, brothers Jess, Toby, and Raymond Duran, and sisters Gloria Delgado and Isabelle Gallegos.
Our family sends sincere appreciation to friends and family for your love, support, and prayers.
Services will be held in Hanford, California at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church on Friday, June 7 at 10 am. A viewing will precede the service from 9-10am.
Burial will be held at Calvary Cemetery followed by a luncheon reception at the Duran Home.