Esmael Chavez

Esmael "Smiley" Chavez, 89, died January 2, 2015, in Albuquerque, NM, surrounded by family. He was born June 14, 1925 in Santa Rosa, NM to Justiniano and Dolores "Lola" Chavez. He married Virginia Garcia on August 9, 1948 in Clovis, NM.

Smiley is a veteran of World War II. He served on the USS Wyandot as a gunner. He participated in the American Area, Asiatic-Pacific and Philippine Liberation. He received the Victory Medal for World War II. After leaving the Navy he became the best meat cutter and worked at various meat packing companies and at CAFB Commissary, retiring in 1987.

Smiley loved his family. He loved his wife, Virginia. She was his light and when she died three years ago, the light in his eyes dimmed. He loved his children and worked most of his life so that they could have a better life. With only a third grade education, he did it, he gave his "kids" a better life. Smiley would never call himself a successful man, though he was, he finished everything he started; he gave love and he was loved back. He did it right.

He is survived by four sons and two daughters; Christian (Nellie) Chavez, Christina (Manuel Aguirre) Chavez, Max Chavez, Jean Chavez, Simon L. Chavez, and Paul (Norma) Chavez; 12 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by the love of his life, Virginia Chavez, his parents, Justiniano and Lola Chavez, and his brothers and sisters.

A rosary will be recited on Tuesday, January 6, 2015 at 6:00 p.m. at Steed Todd Chapel, in Clovis, NM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, January 7, 2015 at 9:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church with Father Rick Zerwas officiating. Burial will be at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, January 7, 2015 at El Calvario Cemetery in Puerto De Luna, NM.

Pallbearers will be Jason Chavez, Christopher Chavez, Joe P. Cordova, Robert Baca, Jason Garcia and Jesse Garcia.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Steed-Todd Funeral Home and Crematory, 800 E Manana Blvd, Clovis, New Mexico (575) 763-5541.

Service

Rosary

Steed Todd Chapel
800 E. Manana Blvd
Clovis, NM  88101
Tuesday, January 6, 2015
6:00 p.m.

Mass of Christian Burial

Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church
117 Davis
Clovis, NM  88101
Wednesday, January 7, 2015
9:00 a.m.

Cemetery

El Calvario Cemetary
Puerto De Luna, NM  88435