Bernardino (Nino) Chavez Sr., devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and longtime resident of Cimarron, passed away at home on May 19, 2014 at the age of 89. He was the youngest of five children born on March 05, 1925 to Nestor and Josefita (Martinez) Chavez.
He was a truck driver for most of his life and retired from Northern New Mexico Gas Company. After growing up through the Great Depression, he met and married Antonina Sandoval in April, 1943, and settled in Cimarron.
A proud Veteran, he served his country during World War II, and was an expert marksman. As part of the D-Day invasion, he landed on Omaha Beach and was in numerous battles and campaigns in the European Theatre. He was awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart among other commendations and was honorably discharged in October, 1945, and returned to Cimarron to live and raise his family. He was a devout Catholic, and was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved wife Antonina, brothers; Laudente, Amarante, and Julio and sister Eva (Sandoval), Sons Robert and James, son-in-law Jose Samuel Guara, daughter-in-law Frances (Martinez) Chavez, and grandchildren, Felipe, Chance, and Jody as well as great granddaughter Samantha.
He is survived by seven sons and four daughters: Bernardino (Nino) Chavez Jr., of Denver, CO.; Leroy Chavez of Odessa, TX.; Alfonso Chavez and wife Pita of Springer, NM; Mary Alice Guara of Odessa, TX.; Marcella Gonzales of Edgewood, NM.; Elmer Chavez Sr. and wife Martha of Springer, NM.; Lucia Hernandez and husband Chris of Edgewood, NM.; Mike Chavez of Albuquerque, Elizabeth Martinez and husband Fred of Cimarron, NM.; Paul Chavez of Odessa, TX.; Patrick Chavez of Albuquerque, NM, daughter-in-law Irma Chavez of Parker, CO.; daughter-in-law Juliana Chavez of Midland, TX.; sister-in-Jaw Mary Anaya and husband Mike of Moriarty, NM.; sister-in- law Alice Lu] an and husband Laurence of Santa Fe, NM.; sister-in-law Lupita Sandoval of Antonito, CO.; Twenty-Seven grandchildren, Forty-Three great grandchildren, Nine great-great grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.
A Rosary Devotional Service will be held on Thursday, May 22~, 2014 at 7:00 PM at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Cimarron. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, May 23’~’, 2014 and 10:00 AM at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Cimarron with the honorable Father Emmanuel Izuka as the celebrant. Rite of Committal and Internment will follow at Mountain View Cemetery in Cimarron. Pallbearers are Robert Chavez, Erie Chavez, Elmer Chavez Jr., Eugene Chavez, David Guara, Bobby Chavez, with honorary pallbearers Fred Martinez, Chris Hernandez, Justin Chavez, Adam Chavez, Daniel Chavez, Jodon Chavez, and Jesse Chavez. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations made to the Veterans organization of your choice.
Funeral arrangements for Bernardino (Nino) Chavez, Sr. are under the care and direction of Alderette-Pomeroy Funeral Home of Raton.
