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Michael Maez Duran, beloved by all, dedicated husband, father, son, uncle, and friend to many, passed away to God's open arms on February 25, 2025. Michael lived life to the fullest, leaving nothing in the tank.
Michael was preceded in death by his grandparents, Santiago and Maria T. Maez and Antonio A. and Juanita R. Duran and sister-in-law, Pamela Duran (wife of his brother Joseph).
He is survived by his beloved wife of almost 5 years, Jennifer; his beautiful parents, Antonio and Virginia Duran of Fort Worth, TX: his faithful brothers, Anthony Duran (wife, Mathilda) of Fort Worth, TX and Joseph Duran of Pilot Point, TX; his devoted sister, Angela Redding (husband, Jack) of Fort Worth, TX: his loving children, Erica Dyer of Leesburg, VA, Shana Duran of Richmond, VA, Courtney Duran of Fort Worth, TX, Lauren Marrujo (husband, Eric) of Alamogordo, NM and William Gonzales of Alamogordo, NM ; his adored grandkids, Atticus, Sy 'yon, Braylen, Mila, Lilah, Liam, Estevan, and Aaliyah; and numerous loving nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Michael was born on January 16, 1967 in Alamogordo, New Mexico to Antonio and Virginia Duran. He was the third of three sons who always were in brotherly brawls. When the family moved to Fort Worth, TX in the summer of 1972, he was five years old. As he grew into his teenage years, he developed a passion for sports and music. He played the saxophone in middle school and played baseball and football at Western Hills High School. Michael excelled in football, playing free safety and had a couple of interceptions in one game with his oldest brother in attendance. Following his graduation from high school in 1985, Michael dedicated his service to the United States Army including a stint in Germany and a tour of duty in Iraq during Desert Storm in 1991. During the years between 1986 and 1991, he became the father of three lovely girls, Erica, Shana, and Courtney. After proudly serving his military obligation he worked for the National Guard at the Regional Sustainment Maintenance Shop as an Automotive Mechanic Foreman in Saginaw, TX for more than ten years until 2016. That was when his passion to return to his birthplace in Alamogordo, NM, ignited his decision to move back to the Land of Enchantment in May of 2016. In November of the same year, Michael got a civil service job working at Holloman Air Force Base as a forklift operator where he retired in April of 2024. When he was not working, he spent his free time with his cousins and family friends at multiple social gatherings that involved music and enjoying life. Michael found joy in the simple pleasures of life. He was a die-hard Dallas Cowboys fan, enjoyed spending time with friends and family, and enjoyed camping in the Sacramento Mountains. His favorite place to camp was amongst the pines of Bailey Canyon, just outside of Cloudcroft, NM. While camping, he would play horseshoes and sing and laugh with cousins and anyone who was with him around the campfire. Michael's passion for music was undeniable. He possessed an encyclopedic knowledge of tunes from his childhood and teenage years, recalling details with remarkable accuracy. He loved karaoke and would take any opportunity to work on his musical chops throughout his travels. It was in Alamogordo where he met the girl who would capture his heart, Jennifer Gonzales. They married in July of 2020 as Michael was able to combine his love for Jennifer and his love for the mountains into a special occasion as they became husband and wife under the Bailey Canyon pines in July of 2020. They were inseparable and spent four plus married years together before his passing on February 25, 2025. Michael had a lasting impact on those around him with his good-natured demeanor and unselfish ways. While he will be missed, we know that he is rejoicing in heaven.
Honorary Pall Bearers are Richard Howard, Dennis Bigas, Donald Manzanares, Sy’yon Duran Spence, Atticus Michael Duran, Braylen Maez Ross and Kammi Allen.
The Duran family has entrusted their loved one to the care of Scenic Chapel Alamogordo, NM to direct the funeral services.
