Juan C. Duran

Age 45 of Godley, Illinois, died unexpectedly on Saturday, July 13, 2024 at his home.

Born August 31, 1978 in Cavillo Aquascaliente, Mexico, Juan Carlos is a son of Cenovio and San Juana Martinez Duran. He was raised in Mexico and emigrated to the United States, where he would work as a laborer with Local Union 75, demonstrating his strong work ethic over the years with Buckeye Partners for Midwestern Pipeline and Minnesota Limited.

 Juan was a lifetime member of the Loyal Order of Moose Lodge 241 in Wilmington, Illinois, where he was very active with the Moose Riders. He was a motorcycling enthusiast who loved riding his Harley Davidson, and took great pleasure going on fishing trips to Canada. Juan was a supporter of veterans and children’s causes, looking for any opportunity to donate his time and efforts. He was the life of the party wherever he went, whose funny disposition was on full display when out with his friends. 

Family was truly Juan’s greatest treasure, taking great pride in seeing his children grow and fully embraced and loved being Papa Juan. His selfless nature and heart of gold are his lasting legacy, a true one of a kind. He can simply be remembered as “Mr. Juan-derful.”

Survivors include his parents, Cenovio and San Juana; two daughters: Sabrina Duran of Mt. Pleasant, Iowa and Selena Duran (Paul Bicking, Jr.) of Caldwell, Ohio; two grandchildren: Sage Woods and Magnolia Duran; three brothers and two sisters: Rosario, Carmela, Alfonso, Jose, and Fernando; many aunts, uncles, and cousins, including Tony Duran who was like a brother to Juan; his girl, Ann Claus of Beecher, Illinois, his goddaughter, Faith Haars, and his former wife and the mother of his daughters, Becky Duran of Zanesville, Ohio.

Juan was preceded in death by his best friend, Allen “Big Daddy” Keith.

Per his wishes, cremation rites are being accorded and Juan will be laid to rest in the Columbarium at Braceville-Gardner Cemetery in Braceville, Illinois.

The family will receive friends to celebrate Juan’s life at the Loyal Order of Moose Lodge 241, 32050 West River Road, in Wilmington on Friday, July 19, 2024 beginning at 4:00 p.m. All who come are encouraged to wear Harley Davidson attire in memory of Juan.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Juan’s memory to The Wilmington Moose Riders, 32050 West River Road, Wilmington, Illinois 60481.

Family and friends are encouraged to sign the online guest book, upload photographs, and share Juan’s memorial page via social media.

Cremation services and memorial arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves & Baskerville Funeral Homes and Crematory in Wilmington (815) 476-2181.