Jeffrey Chavez

In memory of Jeffrey Lynn Chavez

Jeffrey Lynn Chavez, age 75, passed away on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, in Escondido, San Diego, California while on vacation with his family.

Born May 22, 1949, in Albert Lea, Freeborn, Minnesota, Jeff was the beloved son of Tony and Elaine (Barnes), Chavez. On February 7, 1970, he married the love of his life, Darla (Helmers) Chavez, in Freeborn, Minnesota. Together, they cherished their two sons, Troy Lynn and Christopher Lee.

An avid participant in his high school's Thespian Society, Jeff brought life to characters in plays like "Diary of Anne Frank", "Bald Soprano", "Inspector General", "Shoemakers Holiday", and "Tiger's Roar". His talent earned him the Actor of the Year award. He was also a member of the Art Student Counsil and the French Club. Jeff graduated from Albert Lea High School in 1968 and attended Lea College in Albert Lea, MN. In his youth, Jeff worked alongside his father, Tony, in paint and bodywork and Minnesota Containers, both based in Albert Lea, MN. In 1977, Jeff and his wife decided to move their family to Duncanville, Texas so that he could attend Christ for the Nations Institute, a Bible college based out of Dallas, Texas. It was in Duncanville where he and his family built a life together for the remaining years of his life.

One of Jeff's many passions were capturing special moments with those he loved. In 1985, he started his own business, Jeffrey Lynn Photography, in Duncanville, Texas, which he operated until his retirement. Jeff was deeply passionate about photography, and his artistry was evident in the images he captured. He had the pleasure of photographing many well-known figures in the Christian community, most notably Freda Lindsay and her family and staff at Christ for the Nations Institute. Additionally, he served as the videographer for two Holy Land Tours to Israel and Greece with Zola Levitt Ministries. Jeff also proudly served as a Deacon at Jeff and Patty Seifs' church, located in Desoto, Texas, and he dedicated his life to worshipping and studying the word of God.

Jeff cherished traveling and made several trips to South Wales, Great Britain, aboard the Queen Mary (now docked in Long Beach, California) and other Cunard Line ships with his mother, Elaine, to visit her family. His mother was an English war bride who met his father while he was stationed in England during World War II. He traveled extensively throughout France, England, Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Holland, even skiing the Black Diamond Matterhorn Mountain in Switzerland.

Music was another of Jeff's passions. He was able to read music and play numerous instruments, such as the guitar, ukulele, piano, and harmonica. During holidays, he often played the piano for his family and enjoyed singing. Jeff took delight in encouraging his grandchildren's interest in music, teaching Elaina to play the ukulele and Bella to play the guitar. He and Darla lived in both Albert Lea, MN., and Duncanville, Tx., and cherished gathering their grandchildren frequently for karaoke, games, bike rides, and educational activities focused on geography, social sciences and history. Jeff loved being a proud Grampa. In addition to his many talents, Jeff was deeply involved in the upbringing and education of his children and grandchildren. He prioritized raising his family in the church and instilling biblical values while fostering imaginative play and creativity.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Tony and Elaine (Barnes) Chavez; his sister, Linda (Chavez, Hildreth) Quam; his son Christopher Lee Chavez; and his grandson, Manny Chavez.

Jeff is survived by his wife, Darla (Helmers) Chavez, of Duncanville, Tx; his son, Troy Chavez and Natalie Lane of Albert Lea, MN; his sister, Tonette (Chavez) and Bill Carmeli of Shoreview, MN; six grandchildren: Marissa, Teranie, Alejandro, Bella, Avarie and Elaina; four great grandchildren: Kayden, Kamdyn, Keelyn and Korbyn; one nephew, Judd Hildreth and wife Heidi; two nieces, Jodi Carmeli and Mandy (Hildreth) O'Conner and husband Ryan; along with great nieces and nephews in Minnesota and numerous cousins in Texas, California, Missouri and South Wales, Great Britian.

Jeff's legacy of love, creativity, and faith will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by his family and friends. The funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m., May 17, 2025, at Grace Christian Church. Located at 501 W. College St., Albert Lea, MN.