Federico "Fred" Gutierrez Duran Sr., peacefully transitioned into eternity in the quiet and tender stillness of his home he held dear, with his children at his side, March 12, 2024. He was 85 years old.

Fred was born April 1, 1938, to Sabino and Catarina Gutierrez Duran, in Fort Stockton, Texas, where he resided all his life.

Immediately after high school, Fred enlisted in the Army. He served in the Korean War, was a devoted soldier in the line of duty and a noble son in uniform. Throughout the duration of his military service, Fred faithfully sent his military compensation home to his mother, every single month. This helped his mother provide for household needs of his younger siblings. These self-sacrificing and virtuous acts were foundational attributes Fred developed early in life. These attributes were the building stones that established his passionate commitment along with a convicting responsibility in leading a full life of service to God, family, and community.

On October 28, 1959, Fred married the love of his life, Angelita Chavez Duran. Together, they had 2 children, Veronica and Freddy Jr.

Sadly, in 1966, Fred became widowed. This life-altering event further inspired Fred's life-long mission to protect and provide boundless love for his family. Fred embodied the true essence of love and sacrifice, steadfast loyalty, and unwavering devotion to his cherished family.

Fred had a successful 38-year career in the oil and gas industry working for Transwestern Pipeline Company. The company evolved over the course of its history through mergers and acquisitions, ultimately leaving Fred to retire from Enron, BEFORE the company filed for bankruptcy. As Fred worked full-time in the energy sector of West Texas, he simultaneously pursued multiple entrepreneurial endeavors in the food and restaurant market of Fort Stockton.

Fred was the original owner of one of Fort Stockton's longest running & local favorite Mexican cuisine eateries, Burrito Inn. He later sold it and pursued other opportunities in the local market by opening Taquito Hut and La Hacienda Restaurant. Fred ensured having his family and grandchildren working behind the scenes, making their own contributions to the family-owned businesses.

During summers, many locals may recall seeing Fred with his 4 grandchildren on Dickinson Blvd, selling trailer loads of watermelons and cantaloupes from local farms. This was another form of Fred's impacting legacy that marks the lives of his grandchildren. He was the model example to them through his many life-giving lessons, putting a spirit of humility, entrepreneurship, hard-work, and grit into action.

Fred formally retired from the oil and gas industry at the age of 55 but never fully retired from working. Nothing could keep Fred home. He was determined to stay an active participant in his community. He briefly worked as a C.O. at the Lynaugh Unit in Fort Stockton, as a gate guard for Sandridge Energy, then became a bus driver and Substitute Teacher for FSISD. He was coined the name "school grandpa" by countless students that loved, honored, and respected him.

Fred had an unyielding commitment to the Fort Stockton Panthers and Prowlers organization. His team pride was unmatched! When his grandchildren wore the uniform, he was the proudest grandfather and fan. He never missed any of their sports competitions. Despite health challenges in Fred's latter years of life, Fred remained adamant to find a way to continue being present. He could be found front and center at the local sporting events, cheerfully cheering on the Panthers and Prowlers. He embodied the truest definition of Panther Pride.

Throughout Fred's life, he was a respected voice in the local political scene. He was a loyal supporter to his friends in office and actively supported many of their campaigning ambitions.

Fred was a lifelong member of the Catholic church, devoutly serving his local Parish selflessly. Fred taught classes at church, was a jail house minister, and gave away Catholic medallions and rosaries as part of his ministry to inspire faith in others. Fred's faith was unashamedly evident everywhere he went and with everyone he talked to. He was a fiercely passionate minister of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Anyone who had the privilege of knowing Fred knew he lived a purpose-driven life, to love and provide for his family. Fred was the epitome of stewarding his family well. He will be eternally missed as a devoted father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend.

Fred will forever be remembered for his unwavering faith and generosity, his selfless service to the community of Fort Stockton, and most notably for his unconditional love for his family.

Though Fred may no longer be with us in body, his spirit will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing him. Fred G. Duran Sr. lives on in each of the countless hearts he touched and the lives he impacted.

He leaves to cherish his memory, his daughter Veronica Duran Williams (Buster) and his son Freddy Duran Jr. (Brenda); brothers Juan (Charraski) Duran of Colorado and Joel Longoria of Midland; sisters Ysabel Celaya of California, Connie Tamayo of Washington, Eva Quintela of Ft. Stockton, and Anita Valenzuela of San Angelo.

Surviving grandchildren are Melinda "Mindy" Duran-Szakel (Jason) of San Antonio, Jennifer Rhoder (Shawn) of San Antonio, Angela Bradshaw (Billy) of Fort Stockton, and Joseph Benavidez of Fort Stockton. He is also survived by 12 great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Fred was preceded in death by his his wife, Angelita "Rosie" Chavez Duran, his parents, Sabino and Catarina Duran, brothers Sabino (Chevy) Duran, Roberto Duran, Salvador (Kono) Duran, sisters Lucilla Ramirez, and Mary Helen Avila.

Honorary pallbearers are grandsons Joseph Benavidez, Jason Szakel, Billy Bradshaw, Andrik Duran, Dustin Duran, Dylan Duran, and Colby Bradshaw.

We will forever be grateful to the proprietors and staff at Fort Stockton Memorial Hospital, Focused Care Nursing Home, Home Hospice of Fort Stockton, Shannon Medical Center of San Angelo, Covenant Medical Center of Lubbock, Medical Center Hospital of Odessa, Eternity Funeral Home, St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Danny Holguin, and Jimmy & Sandra Hernandez.

A Rosary will be recited on Thursday, March 21st, 2024, at 7:00 pm at Eternity Funeral Home.

A Memorial Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, March 22nd, at 10:00 am at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish – St. Joseph's Catholic Church with Father Francis officiating. A burial will be followed at Fort Stockton Catholic Cemetery. Arrangements are entrusted to Eternity Funeral Home