Alfredo "Boni" Chavez

Alfredo “Boni” Chavez, age 94, entered into eternal rest on Friday, January 17, 2025, in El Paso, Texas. Boni, a lifelong resident of Socorro, Texas was a kindhearted, selfless, gentle and wonderful son, brother, husband, father, grandfather and “padrino” who will be greatly missed by family, friends and countless residents of Socorro. Alfredo is preceded in death by his loving wife of 41 years; Maria Sosa Chavez, his father; Cristino Chavez, mother; Fermina Urtiaga Chavez and his adoptive parents; Uncle Manuel and Aunt Delfina Chavez, sisters; Cecilia Rivera, Ramona Hinojos and Ofelia Ledesma, brothers; Gilberto Salinas, Efren and Jose Luis Chavez. He is survived by his beloved sons; Gilbert Chavez, Mike Chavez and daughter-in-law Maggie, Rey Chavez and Louie Chavez; his granddaughter Leanna Chavez, and his sister; Virginia Andrus, and dozens of beloved nieces, nephews and godchildren.

Boni was a dedicated custodian and proud school-bus driver for nearly 53 years with the Socorro Independent School District where he safely transported thousands of schoolchildren to and from school and home for nearly 40 years. His primary concern was always the safety of students, teachers and staff, as well as the cleanliness of the campuses he was assigned to work at. Throughout his life, it was not unusual for him to encounter people who would immediately recognize him as their school bus driver.

A humble and soft-spoken man, Boni consistently treated people with dignity and respect and was always ready to help anyone in need. As a devout Catholic, Alfredo was a dedicated member of La Purísima Catholic Parish Socorro Mission where he was baptized, made his First Holy Communion, Confirmation, served as an alter boy, married the love of his life in 1956 and continued to help his Parish into his golden years. He always reminded his sons to pray to the Lord and the Virgin Mary for good health, strength, guidance and protection. He always volunteered at church bazaars and provided grounds maintenance of the historic Socorro Mission - always ready with a rake, shovel, broom or paintbrush in hand.

Boni led his entire life with humility and greeted family, friends, neighbors and even strangers with a warm smile. He welcomed anyone into his home where he would immediately offer a cup of coffee, a beer, a glass of wine, refreshment and a bite to eat. And who could ever forget his, “Quieres una enchilada?”. He had a great sense of humor and loved telling stories about his childhood, his life and his beloved town of Socorro. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by his family, neighbors and friends.

Pallbearers: Richard Carbajal, Jimmy Carbajal, Orlando Carbajal, Fernie Salcido, George Piñon and Ethan Marquez.

Honorary Pallbearers: Leanna Chavez, Ida Carbajal, Lety Carbajal, Arlene Carbajal, Barbara Hebler, Eloy Jurado, Ernie Hinojos, Bonnie Salcido, Mary Cardenas, and Magda Salcido Rodriguez.

*In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Socorro Mission Preservation Fund:

La Purisima Catholic Parish

328 S. Nevarez Road

Socorro, TX 79927

Note: Mission Building Fund

Services are entrusted to Sunset Funeral Home- Americas, 9521 N. Loop Dr.