Ernesto A. Lujan

Ernesto “Sonny” A. Lujan, Sr., age 90, was born on September 15, 1934, in Marfa, Texas, to Juan and Maria (Alvarado) Lujan, and entered into eternal rest on August 19, 2025, surrounded by family.

On November 10, 1951, Sonny married his beloved wife, Anita Chacón Lujan, and together they shared 66 years of marriage until her passing in 2018.They were blessed with seven children: Yolanda L. Hernandez, Elsa Dominguez, the late infant Elva Lujan, Emily “Millie” Salinas, the late Ernesto Lujan, Jr., Richard Lujan, and the late Edward Lujan. They also helped raise their eldest grandson, Jerimie Hernandez, who they embraced as a son. With each marriage, their family grew larger, and Sonny and Anita’s love grew wider, embracing their children’s spouses as cherished sons and daughters.

Sonny’s working life was dedicated to heavy machine construction. Though he mastered many types of machinery, his specialty and pride was working the blade. He rebuilt broken roads, paved new ones, and built bridges for the majority of his career with S.L. Briley Construction, and later retired from Ector County Road and Bridge.

Sonny’s life was marked by skill, creativity, joy, resilience, and faith. He was a man known for his cheerful spirit, quick laugh, and ability to make the best of every situation. God blessed him with gifted hands that could create, repair, and bring new purpose even from scrap materials. He fashioned crosses from old silverware, nails, wood, and stakes, transforming ordinary materials into signs of faith that he freely shared with others.

Of all his blessings, Sonny treasured family most. He delighted in his children and carried that same joy into his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. Across every generation, he had a gift for connecting, always offering encouragement, laughter, and unconditional love.

He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Anita Chacón Lujan (2018); his children, Elva Lujan (infant), Ernesto Lujan, Jr., and Edward Lujan; his parents, Juan and Maria Lujan; his brother, Manuel Lujan; and his sister, Maria Lujan.

He is survived by his children Yolanda L. Hernandez, Elsa Dominguez, Emily “Millie” Salinas, and Richard Lujan; brother, Juan Lujan; along with numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, and extended family.

A note of heartfelt gratitude to Juan Dominguez and Elsa Dominguez, Stephanie Dominguez, Millie, Enhabit Hospice of Belton, and Hospice Care of Midland, whose years of loving support allowed Sonny to live fully, and whose tender care in his final week brought him peace.

Christ has gone before us, lifting valleys, humbling mountains, straightening the winding roads, and smoothing the rough ways, preparing the way home for all who believe in Him (cf. Luke 3:5). In this hope, we trust that Sonny has entered the path prepared for him.

Friday, August 22, 2025 at Martinez Funeral Home, Inside Chapel, 1040 S Dixie Blvd, Odessa, TX -- Visitation from 2:00 PM to 9:00 PM, with Vigil for the Deceased at 7:00 PM.

Saturday, August 23, 2025 at St. Ann’s Catholic Church, 1906 W Texas Ave, Midland, TX -- Viewing in the church at 8:00 AM, Rosary at 9:30 AM, followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 AM, presided by Rev. Fr. Ignatius Edet.

Monday, August 25, 2025 at Peaceful Gardens Cemetery, Electric St., Odessa, TX -- Burial at 10:00 AM.

Pallbearers: Jamie Lujan, Jerald Lujan, Jason Dominguez, John Dominguez, Isaiah Salinas, Lance Lynn, Lisha Lujan, and Isaac Lujan

Honorary Pallbearers: Raul Rodriguez, Juan Dominguez, Adrian Salinas, Jason Canales, Javier Gutierrez, Robert Galvan, and Bobby Walker