Jose Ernest Lujan

Born on October 9, 1937, on the Isleta Indian Reservation in New Mexico, he was preceded in death by his parents, Johnny and Delores Lujan; his wife of 33 years, Rita Wood Lujan; and his stepson, Peter Folsom.

He is survived by his stepchildren: Cindy (Gene) Russell, Mitchell (Armida) Folsom, Joan Folsom, Sherilyn Held, and Ronald (Kathy) Folsom; 14 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; 11 nieces and nephews; 23 grand-nieces and nephews; and 9 great-grand-nieces and nephews. He lovingly raised Cindy from the age of six and instilled in her his values, curiosity, and love of learning. He is also survived by his four siblings: Fred (Gloria) Lujan, Angel (Bart) Jojola, Marcus Lujan, and Randy Lujan. He was known as “Tata” by his grandchildren and “Meh-meh” by his nieces and nephews.

Ernie was also deeply loved and supported by his caring friend Pippi and his devoted caretaker Melissa, who were by his side during his final days.

A very proud Marine, Ernie served 10 years in the United States Marine Corps, including service in the Vietnam War during Operation Starlight, the first major U.S. offensive campaign of the war. He often credited his military service as pivotal in his life, particularly as it taught him his trade and gave him skills and discipline that guided him throughout his career.

Following his military service, he spent his entire working career as an industrial machinist, a profession that suited his precision, technical skill, and mechanical intelligence. He approached his craft with dedication and pride.

A man of wide-ranging curiosity and talent, Ernie’s interests included photography, silversmithing jewelry, a deep love of music spanning all genres and eras, and an enduring appreciation of the natural world. He hiked, camped, and fished with quiet reverence for nature. He was also an avid and disciplined reader. His bookshelf reflected the breadth of his mind: art books, silversmithing texts, the works of Mark Twain, Leo Tolstoy, and Ernest Hemingway, along with books exploring all religions and philosophies. He was almost never without a book — and often a dictionary — at his side, carefully absorbing language, ideas, and knowledge. Learning was not merely a pastime for him; it was a lifelong pursuit.

This depth of study made him a thoughtful, patient, and understanding conversationalist. He listened carefully, spoke deliberately, and engaged others with genuine curiosity and respect.

Fiercely independent and self-sufficient, he was remarkably knowledgeable about health—especially his own, which was complex and challenging. Despite the progression of a debilitating condition, he remained mentally sharp, optimistic, and resilient, outliving his medical prognosis by 17 years.

Ernie especially loved children and animals, and that love was returned in abundance. His genuine, loyal, loving, and sincere nature endeared him to everyone he met. He was a steady presence, a quiet teacher, and a man whose integrity spoke louder than words. To his family and friends, he was a treasure who made the world better simply by being in it.

Memorial arrangements will be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Scleroderma Research Foundation in his honor.

He lived fully, loved deeply, and left a legacy of kindness, curiosity, and unwavering warmth that will continue to inspire all who knew him.