Search by Name

Search by Name

Francisco Chavez Obituary

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.

Published by The Durango Herald on Feb. 11, 2019.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Francisco Chavez

Not sure what to say?





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

Make a Donation
in Francisco Chavez's name

Memorial Events
for Francisco Chavez

Feb

16

Rosary

10:00 a.m.

St. Peters Catholic Church

Arboles, CO

Feb

16

Funeral Mass

11:00 a.m.

St. Peters Catholic Church

Arboles, CO

How to support Francisco's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Francisco Chavez's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more