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Duran -- Apolonio"Apples"� Duran, a life long resident of San Miguel County, passed away at the Rio Rancho Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Rio Rancho, NM on Thursday. He was 96 years old. He was born in Chaperito, New Mexico on December 13, 1905 to the late Simon and Andrea Sena Duran.�As a young man, Mr. Duran worked for various business stores.�He was a prominent Democrat and began his political career in 1938 when the San Miguel County Chairman Seferino Quintana appointed him to manage the county democratic headquarters.�This led to his career such as caseworker for the Department of Human Services, a librarian and truant officer for the county schools, maintenance supervisor for the New Mexico Highway Department, a representative for the Bureau of Revenue, a field man for the State Land Office, and County Deputy Sheriff.�For over a half of a century, Mr. Duran figured prominently in city, state, and federal politics.�He was elected County School Superintendent and served two terms as the County Assessor.�Late in his career he was appointed by the governor as Director of the New Mexico Drivers License Bureau, the N. M. Border Commission, Chief Administrative Officer for the N. M. State Hospital, and a board member of the Retired Public Employees of New Mexico. Mr. Duran was County Chairman for the Democratic Party for 15 years, and treasured the memory of helping nominate John F. Kennedy for President of the United States while a delegate to the Democratic National Convention in Chicago in 1959. After retirement, Mr. Duran was constantly sought after for political advise and counsel from those seeking elective offices. He was particularly proud that although he had many political opportunities for personal gain, he and his wife Lena always chose never to unfairly profit from the public trust. Besides his� parents, he was preceded in death by his wife Lena on May 23, 1991. He is survived by five sons, Donald Duran of Albuquerque, NM and Joe Duran and his wife Roberta of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, Henry Duran and his wife Theresa and Tommie Duran and his wife Harriett all of Albuquerque and Dennis Duran and Agnes Claus of Las Vegas, Nevada; five daughters including Inez Ramos and her husband Louis of San Lorenzo, California, Dolores Ahrens and her husband Stuart of Greensboro, North Carolina, Delia and Larry Chavez Rio Rancho and Las Vegas, New Mexico, Viola Welter and her husband Willie of San Diego, California, and Margaret Maese and her husband Elmo of Las Vegas, New Mexico; one sister, Vera Stackpole of Albuquerque, New Mexico; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, a great-great-grandson, nieces and nephews.�He was a member of the Immaculate Conception Church in Las Vegas. A visitation will be held on Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. in St. Francis Chapel at Gonzales Funerals & Cremations, 2315 Hot Springs Blvd. in Las Vegas.�A rosary will be recited Tuesday evening at 7:00 p.m. from Our Lady of Sorrows Church in Las Vegas. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. from the Immaculate Conception Church in Las Vegas by Father C. John Brasher.�The interment will follow in Mt. Calvary Cemetery with his grandchildren serving as casket bearers.�Arrangements are under the direction of Billy G. Rogers at Gonzales Funerals & Cremations, 2315 Hot Springs Blvd., in Las Vegas, 425-9319, 1-888-525-9319 or www.gonzalesfunerals.com. �
        Published on: Sun December 08, 2002