Juan Manuel Duran, Sr.

Juan Manuel Duran, Sr of Amarillo, TX died July 22, 2025 at the age of 77.

Always a practical joker, rebel, speaking his mind, sharing his opinions, raising hell and causing chaos wherever he went. As witnessed by this obituary being penned by himself on September 17, 2024. Juan was a talented contractor, excellent with numbers, adventurous, and always willing to help family, friends, and strangers. He enjoyed riding his Harleys with his best friend, Don Rhoades, purchasing vehicles randomly, correcting people’s grammar on social media, and traveling (not so much via airplane). He thrived on his wife Betty’s home cooking, especially her homemade tortillas, and really liked vanilla ice cream, but definitely not cheese.

Born in Big Spring, TX on Friday July 2, 1948 to Margarito and Josefa (Diaz) Duran. He was the cherished husband of Virginia “Betty” (Carrasco) Duran for 18,946 days (51 years, 10 months, and 14 days). Betty proceeded him in death on August 27th, 2020. Betty was the love of his life, and about the only person that could tell him what to do. He missed her deeply for the 4 years, 10 months, and 25 days they spent apart.

A triple threat, earning a Bachelors of Business Administration in Management from West Texas A&M University, an Associates in Business from Amarillo College, and an Associates in Accounting - just for good measure. Juan had brains and humor to boot. He truly was “Juan” in a million!

Juan worked as a remodeling carpenter and as a Security Police Officer at Los Alamos National Laboratory and at the Pantex Plant. With a grateful heart, he valued and cherished the friendships he formed at Pantex.

His service in the United States Army as a combat engineer during the Vietnam War was a testament to his unwavering courage and dedication to his country.

Juan was preceded in death by his beloved wife Virginia “Betty” Duran, his parents Margarito and Josefa Duran. In-laws Manuel and Feliz Carrasco, sister-in-law Linda Nunez.

Juan is survived by his six children, Juan Manuel Duran, Jr of Switzerland, Christina Duran Diaz of Azle, TX, Alicia Duran of Amarillo, TX, Juan Orlando Duran and wife Amanda of Amarillo, TX, Juan Christopher Duran and wife Katie of Amarillo, TX, Rachel Rodriguez-Quintanilla and husband Javier of Austin; 23 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren and probably growing - a legacy that was greatest achievement; many nieces, nephews, friends; and a huge collection of T-shirts with silly sayings.

Funeral service will be Wednesday, July 30, 2025 at 11:00 am at Life Church 8600 Canyon Dr, Amarillo, TX 79119 with Pastor Hunter Threlkeld officiating. Burial will follow in Llano Cemetery 2900 S. Hayes St., Amarillo, TX 79103. Arrangements are by Rector Funeral Home.

“Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and staff, they comfort me.” - Psalm 23:4