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Chavez -- Mr. Manuel J. Chavez"Manny", 74, passed away on October 4, 1998. Manny was born on June 24, 1924 in Dos Cabesas, AZ, raised in Alamogordo, NM and had resided in Albuqueque since 1948. He was the beloved husband of 16 years to D. Eva Chavez. His children, Patricia Strabley, DT2 (USNR) Marlene Nichols, John Lawrence Chavez, Loretta A. Gonzales, Manuel L. Chavez, Jr., Ens Ronald S. Chavez, USN, Catherine Hunt, Dorothy Luciani; and step-children, Robert Monson, Ronald Monson, Roger Monson and Suzanne Lutz, will miss him deeply. His brother, Joe"Pepe" Chavez and wife, Connie; one sister, Margaret Hernandez; three daughters-in-law, Melanie Monson, Yolanda Chavez and Francine Chavez; 19 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and many other family members and friends will mourn his passing. During the Depression, Manny joined the Civilian Conservation Corp to help support his family. He then enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served in the Pacific Theater as an Assault Boat Coxswain during World War II. After the War, he re-enlisted and served aboard the U.S.S. Donner, LSD-20, achieving the rank of BMR-2. He was a Journeyman Carpenter who built homes and building throughout New Mexico. He served as a Lector at St. Anne's Church. He also molded lives as the Boy Scout Master of Troop #16. He was preceded in death by two sons, Donald and Michael Chavez; one step-son, Richard Monson; one brother, Ralph Chavez and his father, Jose Chavez and mother, Dolores. He beamed with pride at the sight of five children in Navy uniforms. Manny retired after 18 years of service with the Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District, where he worked as an engineering technician. He was a member of the Catholic Church, a member of the American Legion Post #49, and a member of Fleet Reserve Association and was an avid golf enthusiast. His retirement years allowed him and his wife to enjoy life by dining, dancing and whipping his friends on the golf course. A Rosary will be recited Wednesday evening at 7:00 p.m. at St. Bernadette Catholic Church, 1800 Martha NE 87112, with visitation at the church after 6:30 p.m. Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Thursday morning, 9:00 p.m., at St. Bernadette Catholic Church, with viewing at the church after 8:30 a.m. Father Renaud, Celebrant. Interment will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery with Military Honors. Pallbearers will be sons-in-law, Major Ronald Lutz USAF, RMCS (USN Ret), Michael Nichols, ABEC, George Gonzales, USNR, Marshall Vickers, Ted Strabley and Geno Luciani. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Presbyterian Kaseman Hospice, 8300 Constitution NE 87110, where God's special angels work caring and comforting those during their time of sorrow. Gabaldon Mortuary, 1000 Old Coors Rd. SW, in charge of the arrangements.
        Published on: Wed October 07, 1998