Jesus Lujan

work ethic of Jesus Lujan, wisdom that he passed on to his eight children.

Jesus was born February 6, 1922, in Colorado City, Texas. He was a hard worker from childhood

on. As a youth, he would take a burro up into the mountains to gather firewood for his family's

home. By age 16, he worked managing a bar and pool hall in Colorado City, in addition to

picking cotton and beans. He also sold baked goods out of a truck, which is what he was doing

the first time Manuela saw him. They did not see each other again for about a year. Then, at a

dance, Jesus asked Manuela to dance. Her opinion of his dancing skills? He was “a heck of a

good dancer.” And as they say, the rest is history.

In 1941, at ages 18 and 16, Jesus and Manuela married. In June 1943, they moved to Carlsbad,

California, one month after the birth of their firstborn son, Jesse. They were among the first

Hispanic families in the Carlsbad area. Over the next 20 years, three more sons and four

daughters were born to Jesus and Manuela.

In Carlsbad, Jesus started out as a construction laborer. With his creative mind and a strong

desire to learn, he eventually became a cement mason. He also designed and helped build his

family's home. His ability to fix anything earned him the nickname "MacGyver" in his later

years.

After retiring, Jesus and Manuela enjoyed going to the local casinos. They also loved eating out

at local buffets.

Jesus died Friday, July 18, 2014, at his home in Carlsbad among his family after a long battle

with cancer.