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David Chavez, 86, a lifelong resident of Alameda, NM, passed away peacefully in the presence of his loving family on February 16, 2003. He was an avid fisherman, hunter, farmer, sheepherder, and wine maker. David was a self-educated man, creative thinker, talented artist, and lover of nature, life and animals. He valued education, hard work and learning and instilled these values in his children. He would often say,"It's better to work with your head than your hands","An education is something that can never be taken away from you" or"You can achieve anything you want if you work hard enough." David retired after 37 years as a Supervisor for the US Postal Service. He is a survivor of the Bataan Death March, ex-Prisoner of War, and highly decorated soldier for his bravery and heroism in World War II. His numerous military awards included the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and Presidential Citation. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Libby Chavez, preceded in death by siblings, Annie Sena, Lucy Salas, Clory Martinez, Frank, Solomon, Max, and Richard Chavez; surviving siblings, Vivian, Nester, Charlotte and Eulialia Chavez, Rosemary Serda, Irene Cortez, Marcella Martinez, Sophie Gonzales, Rachael Atencio, and Dolores Jaramillo; seven children, Max, Marilyn, Janice, Therese, Jerry, Dave, and Carmen; his deceased son, David Vincent, was born on February 16, 1955, exactly 48 years before his father's death. His grandchildren include Elaine, Sabrina, James, Joseph, Denise, Jerome, Ana, David, Shannon, Joaquin, Elizabeth, Felicia, Gabriela, Phillip, Adriana, Jesse, Patrick, and Mia; and six great-grandchildren. David was a member of the American Ex-POWs, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans, American Defenders of Bataan and Corregidor, and Military Order of the Purple Heart. David will be missed for his endless devotion to his family, his selfless acts of kindness, his honorable contributions to his country, and his inspirational words and wisdom. The viewing will be held on Wednesday, February 19, 2003 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., in the Chapel of Alameda Mortuary. The Rosary will be Recited at 7:00 p.m. at Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church. The Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, February 20, 9:00 a.m. also at the church. Interment will follow at the Santa Fe National Cemetery, 11:30 a.m. Pallbearers will include Joaquin Chavez, Jerome Chavez, Jason Reinhart, James Lopez, Jr., Aaron Chavez, and Rudy Chavez. Honorary bearers, Patrick Kevin, Jesse Rey, Phillip, Joseph and David Chavez. Special thanks for the loving care provided by Camino Vista Manor Care for the last year. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to the Disabled American Veterans, 2511 Utah NE. Military honors will be accorded by the American Legion Post #69. Services are entrusted to: Alameda Mortuary 9420 4th St NW 898-3160
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