Pablo Chavez

Pablo Chavez, 94 of Fort Sumner, NM passed away Saturday, May 28, 2016 at Clovis Healthcare following an illness. Pablo was born October 13, 1921 in Yeso, NM to the home of Pablo and Rosenda (Montoya) Chavez. He grew up and attended school in Yeso. He married Evelyn Sena in 1966 at Fort Sumner. Pablo worked as a section hand for the Santa Fe Railroad for 40 years. He was inducted in the U.S. Army on October 9, 1942 and re enlisted for a second tour of duty on December 28, 1945. He served with the 258th Quartermaster Company, and 505 ABN Infantry Regiment, his service included battles and campaigns in Rhineland, Central Europe, Normandy, and Northern France. His citations and decorations include the European African Middle Eastern Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal. He was honorably discharged on May 11, 1948 with the rank of Sergeant. Pablo made his home in Fort Sumner in 1949 and returned to work with the Santa Fe Railroad until his retirement in 1980. He loved fishing, and hunting, took great pride in his yard work, enjoyed watching western movies, was a great story teller, and loved spending time with his grandchildren who enjoyed his great sense of humor. Pablo is preceded in death by his parents Pablo and Rosenda Chavez, a son Pablo Chavez Jr., and a son in law Rick Woodard, four brothers Nestor Chavez, Lucas Garza, Frank Chavez, Sotero Chavez, and three sisters Emelia Maes, Inez Barela, and Annie Trujillo. Survivors include his wife Evelyn Chavez of the home in Fort Sumner, a son Fred Chavez and wife Susan of Albuquerque, two daughters Benita Woodard of Grants Pass, OR, and Donna Sue Chavez Monroe and husband Michael of Amarillo, TX. Also surviving are six grandchildren, Michael Monroe, Mirranda Monroe, Patty Hutson, Jeremy Pino, Jacqueline Pino, Jenell Pino-Van Etten, eight great-grandchildren Colton Hutson, Andrew Hutson, Jenae Van Etten, Jaylena Van Etten, John Joseph Van Etten, Jeffrey Van Etten, Delissa Pino, and Jasmin Pino, a step son Johnny Pino and wife Diana of Albuquerque, step daughter Evelyn Salazar of Albuquerque, two sisters Ricarda Gauna and husband Vidal of Fort Sumner, and Flora Garcia of Arlington, TX along with a host of other relatives and friends. A rosary will be recited at 6pm Tuesday, May 31, 2016 at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Fort Sumner, Mass of Christian burial will be 10am Wednesday, June 1, 2016 at St. Anthony Parish with Father Fernando Saenz officiating. Burial will be in the family plot, Fort Sumner Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Johnny Pino, Michael Monroe, Mirranda Monroe, Michael Paul Monroe, Robert Sena, George Davis, Aurelio Lopez, and David Gauna. Honorary bearers will be all his grandchildren, and Theresa Maes and Ricarda Gauna. Visitation hours will be Monday and Tuesday from 1pm-5pm at the funeral home. All arrangements are under the direction of Chavez Funeral Home, 830 N. Fifth Street, Fort Sumner, NM. (575) 355-2311.