Edwardo "Eddie" Chavez

Edwardo “Eddie” Chavez, 76, of Las Cruces, N.M., passed away peacefully Tuesday, May 7, 2024, with his family by his side.

A native New Mexican, Eddie was born on July 12, 1947, to Victoria and Eduardo Chavez in Garfield, N.M. Upon turning 18, Eddie enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and completed boot camp in Camp Pendleton, Calif., before being stationed at the now-defunct Marine Corps Air Station El Toro near Irvine, Calif.

Eddie served his country for six years as a United States Marine. Among his duties while 

serving was fueling a Boeing VC-25, colloquially known throughout the civilized world as Air Force One, for President Richard Nixon.

Following his six-year stint in the Marines, Eddie returned to New Mexico where he settled in Las Cruces. It was there, in 1973, where he met his wife-to-be, Paulina Sanchez. Eddie and Paulina married on April 20, 1974 and the couple recently celebrated 50 years of marriage.

Eddie worked in telecommunications at White Sands Missile Range and with Qwest (now CenturyLink) before transitioning out of the workforce and applying his time to his family and hobbies.

Aside from being a devoted husband and father, Eddie spent his time beginning, and then expanding, a collection of numerous types of valuables. Eddie was the proud owner of numerous Harley-Davidson motorcycles, his

favorite being a Road King. A die-hard Dallas Cowboys fan, Eddie’s additional joy of motorsports was frequently on display in his home. Eddie could frequently be found at local dirt track racing venues. If not at the track, Eddie would get his racing fix by watching NASCAR and his favorite driver, Dale Earnhardt.

The kind and caring nature Eddie possessed was put on display through the years by his philanthropic efforts centered around a number of charitable organizations. Charities serving veterans, children, and animals were frequent beneficiaries of Eddie’s generosity. Animals were especially dear to his heart from his time growing up in Garfield, N.M., until his final days. Eddie could always be found with a four-legged companion at his side.

Known for his quiet, serious demeanor, Eddie’s oldest granddaughter gave him the nickname “Bop” which warmed his heart and, over time, became the name he answered to around his immediate family.

With Eddie’s passing, his family and friends are without his humor, his ability to problem-solve, his stories, and his wisdom which befitted those he held dear. Without question, Eddie is now riding off throughout heaven with many previously departed friends and family members.

Edwardo was preceded in death by his parents, Victoria (Madrid) and Eduardo Chavez his brother, David Chavez, his sister, Rosie Garcia and his daughter, Monique Valenciano.

Edwardo is survived by his wife, Paulina Chavez; daughter, Alisha Giron; son, Javier (Cortney) Chavez; son in-law, Evaristo “Skeeter” Giron; grandchildren, Audri Giron (Charlie Hurley), Ashtin Watson, Javier Chavez, Jr., Edward Esparza, Rico Chavez, and one great granddaughter, Ella Giron.

Rosary will begin at 10:00 a.m. followed by funeral Mass at 10:30 a.m., on Friday, May 17, 2024, at Holy Family Catholic Church, located at 702 Parker Road in Las Cruces, N.M., with Father Jim Lehman officiating. Burial will take place at Masonic Cemetery at 11:30 a.m. Serving as pallbearers will be Silver Sanchez, Felix Sanchez, Charlie Hurley, Javier Chavez, Jr., Ashtin Watson, and Tito Loya-Silva. Honorary pallbearers will be Rico Chavez, Edward Esparza, Joe Avalos, and Warren Moore, Manny Altamirano. The burial ceremony will take place immediately following at Masonic Cemetery located at 760 S. Compress Road in Las Cruces, N.M.