Tribute to a remarkable man.

Good morning. It is Wednesday, July 3, 2019, and I bid you a hearty hello and warm welcome. Last Monday we observed the 2nd year anniversary of the passing of our dad, Jose Chavez. Mom had preceded him 80 days earlier on May 13, 2017. He had told me many times he wanted to live long enough to take care of 'mom', and, God granted his prayer. To commemorate the life and times of this remarkable man, I share his official obituary.

Jose Simone Chavez was born on August 1, 1930, in El Rito, New Mexico to Victor and Manuelita Chavez. He was peacefully eased from this life into the next at his home at 3 a.m., on Saturday, July 1, 2017. Viewing is planned for Tuesday evening, July 4th, at First Baptist Church, Hornbeck, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. An additional viewing will be available on Wednesday morning, July 5, 2017, at First Baptist of Hornbeck, from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m., prior to the service, scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. The service will be officiated by his neighbor, friend, and fellow retired military man, Bro. Jesse Buck. Interment with full military honors will follow in the Central Louisiana Veterans Cemetery, Fort Polk, Louisiana.

Preceded in death by his parents, wife Lena Chavez, daughters Kayla Jean Moore and Miriam Kay, son Donald Abbott, and brother Mauricio.

Jose was a man of duty, courage, and commitment. His word was his bond. He served his country in the US Army for twenty-seven years, retiring with the rank of Master Sergeant. During his service, he completed tours in Germany, Korea, and Vietnam. He worked at Fort Polk in Civil Service until his retirement. He was instrumental in bringing a fire department to Hornbeck and was their first Fire Chief. He worked diligently as a member of the committee to maintain Beckom Cemetery. He served the town of Hornbeck for nearly 25 years as a Town Alderman, many of those years spent as the Mayor Pro Tem.

He served his Church in many different capacities including serving as baptismal coordinator. One former pastor said this: “He was the best un-ordained deacon in our Church.”

He was a faithful husband for nearly 40 years to his beloved Lena, and he stood in the gap for their huge blended family. He was a tireless worker and gave 100% to any task or project he embraced. His life told its own story: Duty, Courage, and Commitment.

Jose leaves to treasure his memory, brother Luis Chavez and wife Clorinda., sister Ermelinda Jaramillo (Solomon), sister Agnes Gallegos, sister Cleo, (Raymond), and sister Oralia, (LaLa), Wolfe, brother-in-law Waymon McMillon. His children, son Victor and wife Maria, son-in-law Tommy, son Richard and wife Stephanie, daughters Francis and JoAnn, son Al and wife Marilyn. He and Lena were very proud of their large blended family with the children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. That count is at least 89 in number and over 100 when spouses are included. In addition to these, there is a huge number of cousins, nieces, nephews, and others connected to the family. That is a legacy. A military honor guard will serve as the official pallbearers with grandsons serving as honorary pallbearers.

Thanks to our Phillip and Beth Ann for taking the photo and adding the decoration.