Nestor Chavez

Nestor Chavez, Jr. age 76, passed away on September 2, 2011 at the Presbyterian Hospital in Albuquerque. Nestor was born on April 6, 1935 in Yeso, NM to the home of Nestor and Julia (Aragon) Chavez. He was reared and attended schools in Yeso and Fort Sumner, he also attended the College of Santa Fe and the New Mexico Police Academy. He married Diana Herrera on October 12, 1956 in Vaughn. He served in the United States Navy from 1952 until 1956. While in the Navy he received the National Defense and the European Occupation Medals. Nestor worked as a Police Officer in Santa Fe, Albuquerque and in Santa Rosa and was an insurance agent in Albuquerque. Nestor then went to work for the State of New Mexico Department of Human Services as a Tri County Director until his retirement in 1987. He was a parishioner at St. Rose of Lima Church, a past member of the Jaycees, 4-H, Boy Scouts, Knights of Columbus and his greatest pride was being a volunteer for the Santa Rosa Fire Department. He enjoyed camping, fishing and spending time with his family and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, his wife Diana and a brother, Jose Chavez. Survivors include his children; Jimmy Chavez and wife Janie of Santa Rosa, Levi Chavez of Albuquerque, Rudy Chavez of Santa Rosa, Yolanda Chavez of Santa Rosa, Rita Singletary and husband John of Rio Rancho, Michael Chavez of Santa Rosa, Robert Chavez and wife Leatriz of Santa Rosa. Also surviving are 20 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews and a host of relatives and friends. Rosary services will be held on Thursday, September 8, at 7:00 PM from St. Rose of Lima Parish. Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Friday, September 9, at 9:00 AM also from St. Rose Church with Father Joseph Thomas, CMI officiating. Burial of his cremains will be held at the Santa Fe National Cemetery on Friday, September 9, at 12:45 PM. Serving as Honorary Pallbearers will be, Gene Gutierrez, Wilfred Chavez and Tudy Sanchez along with his grandchildren. All services for Mr. Chavez have been entrusted to the Chavez Funeral Home of Santa Rosa. To place an online condolence please log onto our website at www. chavezfuneralhome.com