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In memory of

Emilio Barajas Lujan

San Fernando, CA

July 18, 1929 - June 30, 2025

Jul 18, 1929 - Jun 30, 2025

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Emilio Barajas Lujan, 95, passed away peacefully on June 30, 2025, in Woodland Hills, California. Born on July 18, 1929, in El Paso, Texas, Emilio lived a long and fulfilling life defined by his unwavering faith, tireless work ethic, and deep devotion to his family. From a young age, Emilio embodied determination and grit. As a teenager, he picked cotton under the hot Texas sun, delivered tailored suits by bicycle, and worked as both a manual bowling pin-setter and a golf caddie at the Fort Bliss officers’ club. At just 15, he set out alone on a journey from El Paso to Downtown Los Angeles in search of his aunt — remarkably finding her within an hour of arrival. Lacking money for the return trip, Emilio found work at Limoneira Co., where he later helped bring other family members to join him. Many of them went on to settle and build their own families in and around Santa Paula. He graduated from Santa Paula High School in 1948, where he was active in baseball and track.

Emilio served his country with honor in the United States Army during the Korean War, stationed at Camp Roberts. His steadfast spirit of service and resilience would continue to guide him throughout his life. A natural entrepreneur, Emilio pursued many ventures over the years — running a restaurant, managing the family movie theater, operating a nightclub, produce market, and nursery. His industriousness and integrity left a lasting example for his children and grandchildren.

He shared a deep and abiding love with his beloved wife, Barbara Garcia Lujan. Together they served the community at our Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Parish, Barbara as Secretary and Emilio as Head Usher. Emilio often said that marrying Barbara was his greatest achievement, proudly admitting she was “out of his league.” Together, they raised a family grounded in love and faith, until her passing in 1995. On July 16, Emilio will be laid to rest beside her — just two days shy of his 96th birthday.

Emilio is lovingly survived by his four children and their spouses: Emilio Lujan Jr., Diane Lujan, Rosane and Ben Urquidi, and Michael and Marnee Lujan; three grandchildren: Evan Lujan, Siena Tinoco, and Maya Lujan; and his siblings: Tomasa Villareal (and her late husband Phillip), Dolores Dominguez and husband Johnny, Margaret Montana and husband Victor, and Arthur Macias and wife Carol. He was preceded in death by his eldest and cherished sister, Amelia Hammonds (and her late husband Johnny), in April 2025.

A Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, at San Fernando Mission Catholic Cemetery

11160 Stranwood Ave., Mission Hills, CA 91345