Richard Rangel Lujan Sr. passed away at home surrounded by family on Friday, September 15, 2023 at the age of 77. Richard was born on Feb 15, 1946 in San Antonio, Texas and graduated from Brackenridge High School in 1966. While in High School he learned how to play the drums, performing with the Dukes of Rhythm and The Keys blues bands in various African American clubs in San Antonio. Following high school, Richard joined the US Air Force (1966-1970), serving as a machinist at Williams Air Force Base in Chandler Arizona. In 1975 Richard began a career as an auto mechanic instructor in the vocational program at South San Antonio High School until his retirement in 2000. As an instructor Richard inspired many minority students to further their careers in the automotive industry, many of whom are still mechanics today. Using his GI Bill benefits, Richard obtained a teaching certificate from Southwest Texas State University in 1979. Richard loved working on cars and transmissions, employed, at first, by a local Exxon service station, and then running a business out of his home garage until 2021.
His great love, however, was spending time with his wife Leonor, cheering for Astros and Rangers baseball, driving on occasion to the casinos in Eagle Pass, and generally spending quiet time at home with his tiny dog, Palomita. Although Richard met Leonor later in life, they had 27 great years together spending time with family and friends. Richard especially enjoyed time with his grandchildren and former students that became extensions of his family, who visited him often to discuss cars and life. Richard could be counted on for great stories of the past and great dad jokes, with a witty sense of humor that everyone enjoyed until his final days.
Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Arturo Lujan I and Elisa, his siblings Beatrice Ruiz and Arthur Lujan II. He is survived by his loving wife Leonor Lujan; children, Christine Lujan, Richard Lujan Jr. (Jo Ann), Catherine Lujan (Lucy), Robert Lujan, Margie Ortiz (Daniel); Sister Dalia Palm; brothers Rene and Michael Lujan; grandchildren Madison, Marie, Justine, Alexis, Alena, Demi, Devin, Daniel, and Sam; and great grandson Dominic.
Visitation will be held at Roy Akers on Monday, October 2nd from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., with a Rosary to be held at 6:00 p.m. Funeral procession will depart from Roy Akers on Tuesday October 3rd at 11:45 a.m. with interment following in Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery at 1:00 p.m.
