Francisco "Frank" Chavez passed away February 9, 2019, with family at his side. 85 years old, Frank was born in Rosa, New Mexico, to Juanita Rodriguez and Jose Amador Chavez. He graduated from Ignacio High School and served in the Air Force during the Korean War in Yokota, Japan and on Guam. Sergeant Chavez was a Senior Cryptographic Operator for the Air Force Special Security Office, Third Air Division.
Frank spent a number of years working in California before being called home to the family ranch in Carracas, Colorado. He spent the rest of his life there as a caregiver to his father and then to his mother, and as a rancher. Never married, Frank earned the love and deep admiration of his 20 nieces and nephews and their 43 children and grandchildren. He is also survived by brothers Joe, Amador and wife Patricia, Chris, and Leonard.
Services will be held on Saturday, February 16, at St. Peters Catholic Church in Arboles with 10 am Recitation of the Rosary, 11 am Mass of Christian Burial, and Burial to follow at the Pagosa Junction Cemetery up Cat Creek Road. Lunch will be served in the Church Hall around 3 pm.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
The entire Chavez Family,
I'm very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. I will always have the Great Memories of your Generosity in giving Dad and me permission to Hunt on the Ranch! We mostly enjoyed visiting with all of the Promos. There were always some Great stories swapped in Juanitas Kitchen. Rest in Peace Primo Frank!!
John Barry
February 18, 2019
My condolences to the family for your loss. May the God who comforts those that mourn sustain you during this difficult time. Isaiah 61:1,2
Dean
February 16, 2019
Don Bechtel
February 15, 2019
Don Bechtel
February 15, 2019
Don Bechtel
February 15, 2019
Chris and all the Chavez family. I have known you since I was very small and would visit the ranch with my Grandpa Manuel and Grandma Regina Candelaria.
My deepest condolences on your loss.
I am sorry I won't be able to make his services but I will say a special prayer.
You Chris and Frank were there to honor my Mom Delfinia at her funeral and I appreciate it.
God bless you Frank, Chris and the whole family.
Sincerely,
Delfin Martinez
Delfin Martinez
February 15, 2019
I am so sorry for your loss something that helped me during my loss was the Bible in Isaiah 51:12 I myself am the one comforting you knowing that God was there for me really comfort me. I hope this can help you as well.
KH
February 12, 2019
Charlene Benning
February 12, 2019
Charlene Benning
February 12, 2019
Charlene Benning
February 12, 2019
He will be terribly missed, my friend and neighbor
Lisa Cowell
Friend
February 12, 2019
My dearest uncle, you are part of my earliest memories and never far from my thoughts. The world was a better place with you in it and now we have to go on without you. I will miss you everyday but I know that someday we will meet up again. With great love and gratitude, your niece Renee.
February 12, 2019
Don Bechtel
February 12, 2019
Frank and Chris have been great friends to our dad, Bob Dungan. They shared many good times together and great adventures out on the ranch. The Chavez boys are great men and Frank will be missed by all of us. We so much appreciate the support they have given our family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and Bob especially wanted to express his condolences.
Bob Dungan
Cathy Burns
Susan Shipman
Bob Dungan
February 12, 2019
I love you so much my beloved, sweet, caring uncle Frank. I miss you forever. ❤
Katherine Chavez Garcia
February 11, 2019
Our sincere sympathy to the Chavez Family and to Frank's extended family and friends. May the memories of a life well lived give you comfort through this loss. RIP, Frank.
Jan & Dennis Schell
February 11, 2019
To my Chavez family, over the years we all went in different directions, but none of us forgot the bond that made us family. Some of us attended school together, some of us kept in touch through the years. My father, Miguel Quintana and mother Beatrice(Santistevan) Quintana as well as Vidal, Martha, Rosa, Pablo and Vicky, loved primo Amador and prima Juanita and the rest of family. I am sending my heartfelt sympathy to my Chavez primos. RIP Primo Frank.
Sincerey and with Love
Rosa (Quintana) McGuire
Farmington, NM
February 11, 2019
My deepest condolences to the Chavez familia and all the vecinos y gente he touched with his warm personality. He knew no stranger, I believe.
He was oldest altar server I have ever known and the man with more than 9 lives....probably had to do with how religious a man he was. Farmer Frank, as my loveys called him, was always ready to take them out to the barn to show the lambs and kids; great memories we will always have.
He will surely be missed and the San Juan celebration will not be the same.
May you rest in peace, Farmer Frank.
Josie Ribera
February 11, 2019
Compadre Frank,
I am missing you already. Only God knows who is going to follow you to our resting place. I will be following you soon.
Your Comadre,
"Max"
(as you called me)
Maxine Ribera
February 11, 2019
To: The Chavez Family
My condolence on the passing of your beloved brother. Frank has been our vecino for many years and a good friend to our Family.
Since a youngster, I've had the privilege of knowing you all, & I know you are going to miss him. The Chavez Ranch will never be the same!
As he joins Don Amador & Dona Juanita,
Ida, Tony & Ben in eternal rest, be comforted in knowing that he spent his life walking with Christ , so he is at the best place ever & at peace with no pain or suffering!
As you lay him to rest, my thoughts & prayers will be with you all, since, we can't make the services. It was my privilege to have known such a good man, & I am proud to have had him as my Amigo & Vecino.
I am also proud of his service to our country, something most people don't know the details.
GOD BLESS YOU FRANK & God bless your Family!
Sincerely, Dan & Susan Ribera
Burkesville, KY
Dan Ribera
February 11, 2019
Showing 1 - 20 of 20 results
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read more