Guadalupe M. Dueñez Jr.

Guadalupe M. Dueñez, Jr., 84, danced his way into eternal rest on Friday, August 30, 2024, in Canutillo, Texas. Born in the Segundo Barrio of El Paso, Texas, on April 26, 1940, to prize fighter Guadalupe "Kid Gallina" Dueñez and Ana Maria Martinez Dueñez, Lupe was an only child until age 16 when his sister, Ana Maria, was born. Growing up in a close-knit neighborhood, he was known for his warm and charming personality, which earned him lifelong friends.

As a teenager, Lupe became a local celebrity on the 4:30 Hop TV show, known for his incredible dancing skills—particularly his talent for dancing with two girls at once! In his later years, his love for dancing and natural talent gained him the nickname “The Fred Astaire of the Southside”

At age 22, Lupe married Dolores Jean Gonzalez and relocated to Southern California, where they raised two children, Lora Holt and Tony Dueñez. While in California, he earned an Associate of Science degree from Santa Ana Community College and worked as a diesel mechanic.

In 1978, Lupe and his family returned to his hometown of El Paso, where he spent the remainder of his life. He worked as a security guard and later as a truancy officer for the El Paso Independent School District, where he retired after 25 years of dedicated service.

Lupe was an active volunteer with the Bowie Alumni Association, helping to organize the annual Bowie Alumni picnic and proudly pulling the "Bear" mascot in the Bowie Homecoming parade. He had a passion for travel, visiting various destinations across the U.S., and enjoyed camping and fishing in Cloudcroft, NM. He also loved sea cruises, particularly to Mexico and Alaska. In retirement his favorite past times were line dancing, shooting pool and playing bingo at the Polly Harris Senior Center.

A beloved figure at any gathering, Lupe was the life of the party. His magnetic personality and dancing skills always ensured he had a partner when the music played, though his favorite dance companion was his girlfriend, Tillie Ayala, who remained by his side until the end.

His friend, Lalo Escajeda, best summarized Lupe's essence: " I never met a person that did not like Lupe. He had a way of making friends with everyone he met. Even with the people who didn’t like him at first, he’d find a way to get them to come around.”

Lupe was a wonderful father, son, brother, grandfather, and friend. He will be deeply missed by all who know him. He is preceded in death by his parents, Guadalupe S. Dueñez and Ana Maria Dueñez. He is survived by his children, Anthony James Dueñez (Candace Printz) and Lora Elaine Dueñez Holt (Tim); his sister, Ana Maria Dueñez; his grandchildren, Wyndolyn Givens-Soto (Jorge), Allyson Givens, Garrison Schoppet-Holt, Elora Blessing, and great grandson Max. Lupe also leaves behind many extended family members and friends who will cherish his memory.

A visitation will be held from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, at Sunset Funeral Homes-West, with a Holy Rosary at 6:00 PM. A Funeral Mass will take place at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, September 11, 2024, at St. Ignatius Catholic Church, 408 Park St., El Paso, TX 79901. Services are entrusted to Sunset Funeral Homes-West, 480 N. Resler Dr.