Ross Duran, Jr.

Rosendo Q. 'Ross' Duran, Jr., 72, of North Platte, NE, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, June 2, 2015, surrounded by his family after battling 4 types of cancer since 2012. Ross was born July 15, 1942, to Rosendo G., Sr. and Ramona A. Duran at Alamogordo, NM and grew up in Los Cruces, NM where he attended school. Ross joined the New Mexico National Guard and served as a Communications Specialist for 11 years. He later worked various jobs before he began his career with the railroad. In 1971 Ross hired on with the Southern Pacific Railroad in Sacramento, CA as a fireman and oiler then worked the next 21 years as an electrician. He transferred to Denver, CO and continued working as an electrician for the Denver Rio Grande Railroad then moved to North Platte with the Union Pacific Railroad. After six more years and a good career, Ross retired in 2002. Regardless of which railroad he was with, Ross had a strong dedication to feed his railroad family and continued to do so into retirement. Ross was affectionately known as "Burrito Man" by those he worked with. Along with his work on the railroad, he liked to golf and go bowling. He was a member of Iron Eagle Golf Club and Eagles Aeries #2839. On August 15, 1970, Ross married Esther Rivera in Reno, NV and to this union they had four children together. Ross loved his family and will be remembered for his ever present smile and soft spoken voice. Ross leaves behind his wife of nearly 45 years, Esther, of North Platte; his children, Paul Rivera, of Pueblo, CO, Michael Duran, of Silver City, NM, and Esther Rivera, Roxanne Duran, adopted children, Tommy (Alice) Vieyra, Michelle West and Crynna Swearingen, all of North Platte, and a granddaughter who they raised since birth, Brandy Duran Babcock, of Kearney, NE. He is also survived by 11 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren; two brothers, Tom Jenkins, of Dallas, TX, and George Jenkins, of Victorville, CA; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and other family; and his many friends including Charlie and Bruce. Ross was preceded in death by his parents, Rosendo, Sr. and Ramona; his beautiful daughter, Ramona Duran; infant sister, Virginia Duran; brothers, Charlie, Nativadad and Sonny Duran; and two half-brothers. Cremation was chosen. A memorial service will be 11 a.m. Tuesday, June 9, 2015, at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore. The memorial book may be signed at odeanchapel.com or from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore which is in charge of arrangements. The family has established a memorial.