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Chavez -- Bennie E. Chavez, 79, an angel of God was called away suddenly on April 12, 2003 to continue his journey with his dear Lord. He was a devoted husband, father, grandpa and great-grandpa. He is survived by his loving wife, Ophelia of 54 years; his four sons, Melvin and wife, Loretta Chavez, Michael, Tommy and Mark; two daughters, Barbara and husband, Louie Jacques, Cindy and Michael T. Archuleta; 11 grandchildren, Kimberlee Struck and husband, Julian, Shannon, Robbie and Brandon Jacques, Justine and Adrienne Duran, Mikie, Mathew, James, Eric and Jordan Chavez; four brothers, Max and wife, Mary Chavez of Barstow, CA, Ignacio and wife, Mabel Chavez of Espanola, NM, Abran and wife, Joan Chavez of Mesa, AZ, Gilbert and wife, Elsie Chavez of Belen, NM; and sister, Concha Sanchez also of Belen, NM; four great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family members. Bennie was born in Pinos Wells, NM in 1924 and grew up in Duran, NM. In 1943, he joined the U.S. Army. He was a WWII Veteran who became a medical technician with the 289th. Station Hospital which was the first medical unit to land in Guam. They rendered medical and surgical care under less than ideal conditions. After his honorable discharge he attended college at Highlands University and received his degree in Aviation Mechanics. There he met the love of his life, Ophelia. They were married in Penasco, NM in 1948, and made their home in Albuquerque. He continued his work with the Department of Defense as a Civil Service Agent with the Federal Defense Nuclear Agency and retired after 38 years of loyal service. He was a member of the American Legion Post 13. Over the years he received numerous awards and commendations. He is preceded in death by his mother and father, Juan and Aurelia Chavez, 11 brothers, Antonio, Esequel, Alejandro, Eutimio, Daniel, Paul, Edenio, George, Daniel, Ray and Andy and two sisters, Lupita and Vina. Beanie was a devoted member of Our Lady of Guadalupe parish for 50 years. He loved spending time with his family and grandchildren and being outdoors; he loved to dance and was most happy when he was giving of himself He was a constant pillar of strength for all who had the privilege of knowing and loving him, His warm smile and giving nature will be a loss that is immeasurable. Dad, you were a constant in our lives, a giver, an inspiration and an example of the good and kindness in this world that we will forever hold in our hearts. We will miss your presence, but we take comfort in knowing you have gone home to rest. Visitations will be held on Tuesday afternoon from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the Eighth Street Chapel of Garcia Mortuary. A Rosary will be recited on Tuesday evening at 7:00 p.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday morning at 11:30 a.m. also at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. Interment will follow at the Santa Fe National Cemetery at 2:00 p.m. Pallbearers will be Robbie Jacques, Brandon Jacques, Melvin Chavez, March Chavez, Michael Chavez and Tommy Chavez. Honorary pallbearers will be Justine Duran, Adrienne Duran, Bruce Mascarenas, Michael T. Archuleta, Dennis Chavez, Louie Jacques, Gilbert Chavez and Patrick Chavez. Services are in the care of: Garcia Mortuary 717 Stover Ave. S.W. 243-5222
        Published on: Tue April 15, 2003