FRANCISCO CHAVEZ

1937 - 2017

Francisco "Pancho" Chavez passed away peacefully in his sleep on June 16, 2017. Francisco was born to Baudelio Chavez Fuentes and Leonor Franco-Chavez on October 7, 1937 in El Tablero del Refugio, Municipio de Teocaltiche, Jalisco. He was the third oldest of six children in his family who were all raised in Teocaltiche, Jalisco. As a teenager Francisco once made his way to Tijuana, Baja California to explore work opportunities and eventually made El Monte, California his home alongside his first wife Esperanza Delgadillo-Chavez. They raised three children: Martin, Elizabeth, and Francisco whom he was very proud of and loved very much. Before retiring Francisco worked for many years in the food service industry where he was a waiter in exclusive restaurants in Los Angeles, California. He loved to share stories about his early years as a child in Teocaltiche, his experiences as a young waiter, and the celebrities he waited on. Francisco married Isela Huerta-Chavez on June 17, 1994 and made El Paso, Texas his home. He enjoyed life everyday whether it was golfing at Ascarate Golf Course, doing yard work at his church, or helping out a family member or friend. Francisco was loved by all who had the privilege to call him son, brother, husband, father, step-father, grandfather, brother-in-law, uncle and friend. He in turn made all those around him feel loved and cherished. He was a devout member of the Montana Vista Seventh-Day-Adventist Church where he was a deacon. Francisco is survived by his wife Isela Huerta-Chavez; his children Martin Chavez, Francisco Chavez, Jr., Elizabeth (Liz) McWilliams, Oscar Natividad, Lizette Natividad (husband Julian), Isela Natividad (husband David); grandchildren Christina Chavez, Leticia Chavez, Jason McWilliams, David McWilliams, Olivia Anchondo, Vivian Anchondo, Lucia Heilig, Jude Heilig and Hunter James Torres-Natividad. He is survived by his siblings Guadalupe Chavez-Lomeli, Horacio Chavez, Federico Chavez, Livier Chavez-Valdivia and Baudelio Chavez. He was preceded in death by his first wife Esperanza Delgadillo-Chavez. Franciso was a humble man who loved the Lord and his life is best exemplified by the scripture, "As for me and my house we will serve the Lord." Joshua 24:15. Thank you to family and friends who enriched Francisco's life. A memorial service will be held Sunday, June 18, 2017 at 7 p.m. at the First Cumberland Presbyterian Church located at 11299 Pebble Hills Blvd., El Paso, Texas. Interment will be in Teochaltiche, Jalisco.