Juan Loya Jr.

On Monday, February 28, 2022, Juan Loya Jr. passed away peacefully in his home. Juan was born on December 4, 1937. His parents were Juan Loya Sr. and Refugio Gandara Loya. He was the youngest of the five children. Juan was raised in San Elizario, but he attended Ysleta High School and graduated in 1956. He then went on to attend Texas Western College, now known as the University of Texas at El Paso. Unfortunately, Juan did not finish his degree, instead he went to provide for his elderly parents. In 1959, he met Berta Alicia. Two years later, on August 12, 1961, they were married, and he was with her for the last beautiful 60 years of his life. Together, they had three children, two sons: Dr. Juan Francisco Loya and Eduardo Guillermo Loya (Barbara), and one daughter, Luz Maria Gijon.

Juan, for a fact, was an extremely hard worker. He was in the United States Postal Service for 40 years and in the United States Naval Reserves for 30 years. He was also a long time member of Saint Raphael Catholic Church and a member of Saint Raphael’s Men’s Association. When Juan retired, he gravitated toward his sincere passions. He was passionate about farming and gardening most specifically. He grew endless amounts of plants, flowers, fruits, and vegetables in his backyard. He cared about these passions until his last weeks with us. Juan had a publicized love of travel; he has been all around the world a number of times. From Portugal to South Korea to Paris, his big heart and smile have been everywhere, although, Juan’s biggest passion was his family. He loved taking care of his wife, children, and grandchildren-- in return they loved taking care of him. His wittiness, humor, and generosity will be remembered until the end of time.

Juan was preceded in death by his daughter, Luz Maria Gijon, his father, Juan, his mother, Refugio, his brothers, Antonio, and Lorenzo Loya, and his sisters, Ofelia Grijalva and Dolores Chavez. He is survived by his wife Berta Alicia, his sons Juan Francisco and Eduardo Guillermo, his grandchildren: Matthew P. Loya (Adriana), Reidun Marissa Loya, Emilio J. Gijon, Eduardo J. Gijon, Daniela I. Gijon, Phoebe M. Loya, Sophia F. Loya, Edward W. Loya and Vincent W. Loya, and his many nieces and nephews.

A funeral service in his memory will be held on Tuesday, March 8, 2022, with a rosary beginning at 9:15 AM at Martin Funeral Home, 1460 George Dieter, El Paso, Texas 79936. A funeral mass with military honors will follow at 10:30 AM at St. Raphael’s Catholic Church, 2301 Zanzibar Rd., El Paso, TX 79925, and graveside service at 12:30 PM at Restlawn Cemetery, 4848 Alps, El Paso, TX 79904.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Juan’s memory to American Parkinson

Disease Association, (apdaparkinson.org) and/or (woundedwarriorproject.org).

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.MartinFuneralHomeEast.com for the Loya family.