Miguel Tomas Luna

He was preceded in death by his wife Dora Soria Luna, whom he married on Sept 27th, 1953. Miguel is survived by his four children Raquel and husband Ronald Garretsen, Manuel and wife Ximena Luna, Diana Roche, Mariella and husband Carlos Alatorre; ten grandchildren Ronnie, Billy, Miguel, Pablo and wife Christina, Jessica, Richard and wife Jennifer, Adrienne, Thomas and wife Carly, Hugo and wife Julia, Giselle and husband Yoel; and eleven great-grandchildren Kyler, Gabriel, Vanessa, Kaitlyn, Ricky, Liam, Jennifer Paige, Sonny, Rocky, Yoel and Matias.

Miguel was the patriarch and the pillar of his family. He lived a long life filled with love, family, and professional accomplishments. He moved from Piura to Lima, Peru to pursue his career in Chemical Engineering. In 1945 Miguel was accepted at the Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos in Lima, Peru. Within the next two years he met the love of his life “Dorita” with whom he would share a lifetime of faith, love, and a strong marriage.

After receiving his degree in 1955, Miguel was accepted in several post-graduate fellowship programs at YPF, Argentina (1952), USC, California (1956), Colorado School of Mines (1962, 1963), Japanese Government - Tokyo (1965), Princeton University (1970), The Eisenhower Foundation USA (1970) and a Member of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (1972).

In 1971 Miguel was named Director of Petroleos del Peru, Houston Division. He arrived first on October 8th, 1971, and was joined by his wife Dorita and four children in December of that same year to live permanently in the U.S. He was looking forward to this coming December to celebrate what would have been the family’s 50th Anniversary in Houston, Texas.

Through the years Miguel climbed the professional ladder, working for: Shipco, Luna International, Ferrostaal Corporation, Chemaco, until he became President of Chemical Exchange International Development (Part of the Texmark/CXI Group of Companies). Miguel held the responsibilities for developing a new chemical product for international operations. During this time Miguel also dedicated time to his family, such as taking Dorita to Japan, Europe and extended Latin American Countries, along with spending time with his children.

One of his biggest achievements was being inducted into the Eisenhower Foundation Fellows Program. The Eisenhower Fellowship identifies, empowers, and connects leaders. Through the program’s experience Miguel connected with many innovative minds and met with leaders, such as at-the-time President of the United States, George H. W. Bush.

A quote from a very dear friend and ex-boss: “With his wide experience in diverse disciplines and his far-reaching circle of acquaintances and friends in the hemisphere, Mr. Luna and his organization [was of] great benefit to companies with interest in worldwide trade and export for the energy industries,” said Herbert C. Fries, Vice President of Portable Gasoline Plants.

After retiring at the age of 80 yrs. old, Miguel spent his free time spoiling his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Miguel would take his grandsons for haircuts and breakfast outings and toy store runs with his granddaughters. And not to forget the “cleaning of the ears”, his personal trademark to give the kids some pocket money. As he progressed in life, he offered all his stories, experiences, and advice to all he came across, but most of all his love. A love for life, for family, for personal growth.

On Friday, October 8th, 2021, at 12:00 noon a mass will be held remembering his life and legacy at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Houston, Texas.

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