Obituary— Antonio DeAnda Lujan
Antonio (Tony) DeAnda Lujan, age 96, passed away during the early hours of May 18, 2022, in New Braunfels, Texas. Antonio was born in Stanton, Texas on November 26, 1925, to Tomas and Romula Lujan. The Lujan family have been residents of Van Horn, Texas since 1905. His siblings that have preceded him in death are: Maria Franson (Santa Fe National Cemetery, NM), Tomas Jr. (Fabens, TX.), Socorro Ramirez (Ft. Bliss, TX.), Eduardo “Lalo” (Van Horn, TX), David (Anaheim, CA.), and Carolina (Van Horn, TX) His only surviving sibling is sister Eloisa Pope (Artesia, NM).
Tony grew up in Van Horn, going to the schools there, working on ranches around the area. In 1950, Tony was called to serve in the US Army. This was really his first time away from home. He was sent to Camp McCoy, Wisconsin for training in the field artillery (155 Long Toms) and then on to Germany. While in the Army, he played on the All-Army baseball team with Billy Martin (future NY Yankee manager). Martin asked him to try out for the NY Yankee ballclub.
After two years in the Army he returned to Van Horn and began working for Gifford-Hill at the Allamoore quarry west of town. He worked at the same place as a heavy machine operator until 1992 when he retired. His passion and love was playing baseball for the local team the Van Horn Stars (Los Estrellas) from his early teens until he was 35.
Upon returning home, he met his future bride Celia Flores who had moved to town from Presidio, Texas. They were married on May 10, 1954, at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church in Van Horn. They had 68 years of married life together and their marriage yielded the following five children: Antonio Jr. (Lisa) of Katy, TX, Debbie (Gregg) of New Braunfels, TX, Hector (Carrie) of Cibolo, TX, Federico (Pat) of Zapata, TX, and Jaime (deceased). He leaves his wife, four children, and 12 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren upon his death.
Those who knew him would tell you that he was quiet, unassuming with a sense of humor. He had a tremendous work ethic which was admired and emulated by his children and friends. He enjoyed the visits of his extended family and friends. He had many interesting stories about Van Horn throughout the years. Stories about the families that came and went, and about businesses which operated in town. He was truly a wealth of knowledge.
Viewing begins at 4 pm, Rosary Service at 6:30 pm and Funeral Service to follow on Saturday May 28, 2022 at Zoeller Funeral Home, 615 Landa, New Braunfels, Texas. Burial ceremony will be at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery to be announced at a later date.
We miss you Dad.
