Elmer William Chavez, Sr. passed away peacefully in Albuquerque on May 29th, 2022, with family by his side. He was born in Raton, NM on July 9th, 1954, to Bernardino Sr., and Antonina Chavez.
Elmer grew up in Cimarron and attended school there until graduation in 1973 except for one year he spent with his Tio Pablo and Tia Amalia (Molly) Bernal in Tinaja and attended classes in Maxwell. Early on his love of fast cars led him to choose his lifelong profession and he worked hard and became a certified mechanic. His early jobs included Cimarroncita Ranch, Texaco Trail Garage, Firestone with “Uncle Monty”, UU Bar Ranch, Pacific Stud Lumber Co. and a stint as a self-employed shop owner while taking care of his wife and boys. Later, he moved his family to Springer and was employed by Springer Auto and the Town of Springer for many years, where he not only worked as a mechanic, but also managed the town swimming pool. After 25+ years working in Springer, he took a job with the Village of Maxwell and retired after 18 years of service.
Elmer was outgoing and made new friends wherever he went. His gregarious nature was unmistakable, and he instantly became the center of attention when he entered a room. He was also community oriented and volunteered his time and talents as a volunteer firefighter, councilman, mayor Pro-Tem and Mayor for the villages of Cimarron, Springer, and Maxwell. His catholic faith was important to him, and he was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus. He will be sorely missed by his family and many friends.
He was preceded in death by paternal grandparents Nestor and Josefita Chavez, Parents Bernardino Chavez, Sr. and Antonina Lucia Chavez. Brothers James Chavez, Bernardino (Nino) Chavez, Jr., and Robert H. Chavez. His favorite uncle, Amarante “Monty” Chavez. His Father-in-law John Casias and Mother-in-law Lucy Casias. Brother-in-laws Sam Guara, Raymond Casias, and Ray Maestas. Sister-in-laws Pita Chavez, Frances Chavez, Rosie Casias, and Louisa Maestas. Nephews Joseph Guara, & Anthony Romero, Sr. Also recently passed, Brother-in-law Fred Martinez and Nephew Justin Chavez.
He is survived by his beloved wife Martha (Casias) Chavez of the home in Springer, Son Elmer Chavez, Jr. and wife Emily of Raton. Son Adam Chavez and wife Danielle of Las Cruces. Grandson Elijah Chavez of Springer, NM., Granddaughters Faith Chavez, Serenity Chavez of Las Cruces, NM., and Hailey Chavez, Louise Chavez of Raton, NM. Sisters Mary Guara, Odessa, TX., Marcella Gonzales of Edgewood, NM., Lucia (Chavez) Hernandez and husband Chris, Edgewood, NM, Elizabeth (Chavez) Martinez, Cimarron, NM. Brothers Leroy Chavez and wife Linda, Odessa, TX., Al Chavez, Springer, NM., Mike J Chavez, Albuquerque, NM., Paul Chavez, (Darlene), Cimarron, NM., Patrick Chavez, Albuquerque, NM. He is also survived by his Uncle Mike and Aunt Mary Anaya, Moriarty, NM., Uncle Lawrence and Aunt Alice Lujan, Santa Fe, NM., numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Pallbearers: Elijah Chavez, Faith Chavez, Hailey Chavez, Serenity Chavez, Louise Chavez.
Honorary Pallbearers: Severo Romero, Rudy Cordova, Don Fleen
Cremation has taken place, and a memorial service and celebration of life will be held July 29th,2022 at 10:00 AM at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church 605 5th St. Springer, NM
Arrangements for Elmer William Chavez, Sr. are under the direction of Alderette-Pomeroy Funeral Home.
