Rafael Chavez

Command Sergeant Major (Ret.) Rafael Chavez, beloved husband, father and grandfather, went home to God after 87 wonderful years of living and giving. Born in El Salvador to Marcos Chavez and Zoila Rivas on August 7, 1922, he first came to the United States to attend college, and was moved to join the Navy during WWII, where he was a gunner on a PT boat in the South Pacific. After the war, he left the Navy, briefly returning home to El Salvador before returning to the States and reenlisting in the Army, where he proudly served for 32 years. He honorably served his country through 3 wars, and received numerous honors, medals and accolades throughout his service. He is preceded in death by his only son, Chief Warrant Officer Rafael A. Chavez, and is survived by his wife and true love of 64 years, Haydee Chavez, his two daughters, Amy McGill and Karen Chavez, and his grandchildren Gina Swasey, Michelle Thompson, Kenny McGill, Liane McGill, and Lauren Halliday-Miller. He also has eight great-grandchildren, Trever, Aubrey, Daniel, Bailee, Sarah, Lola, Scarlet, and Jude Rafael, his namesake, all who were so blessed to know his love. A devoted Catholic with an unshakeable faith in God, charity and compassion were second nature for him, and among his favorite organizations to contribute were Operation Smile and St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. He will be remembered for his generosity of spirit, his great humor, and his sense of service and duty to others. He always had a kind word and a smile for everyone, and to know him was to love him. He enjoyed a good glass of red wine and occasional sip of tequila, and would happily share his opinion on the health benefits of merlot with anyone that would listen. His lovely garden is a standing memory to his energy and love of life, which he maintained until the end. Tata, we love you, and owe all that we are to you and your honorable example. You miss be so missed. Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 pm, Saturday, June 19, 2010 at Chapel 2 on Fort Bliss. Inurnment to be held at a later date. Services entrusted to Sunset Funeral Home-West.