Gerardo F Chaves

Gerardo Fidel Chaves, 90, passed away peacefully on March 31, 2025. Born in Pifo, Ecuador, on July 12, 1934. Gerardo was a beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and great-great-grandfather who leaves behind a legacy of love, hard work, and devotion to family.
Gerardo was the son of Bertha Maria Silva de Chaves and Manuel Eliecer Chaves, both deceased. He was one of six siblings: Edith (George) Hartman, Ghelma (Adolfo) Olmedo, Michaela (Nelson) Noboa, Nelly (Isac) Palacios, and Milton (Violeta) Chaves. He was preceded in death by siblings Nelly and Milton and brothers-in-law George, Adolfo, and Isac.
In 1960, Gerardo married the love of his life, Marlene Theresa (Mitchell) Chaves, who preceded him in death on September 18, 2006. Together, they raised three children: Michelle (David) Spear of Columbus, IN; Julie (Kevin) Albrecht of St. Louis, MO; and William (Jennifer) Chaves of St. Louis, MO.
Gerardo was the proud grandfather of Michael (Beth) Dobson, Nicole (Kevin) West, Aubrey (Dylan Cregar) Sublette, Katelyn (Rickie Ozbun) Sublette, Margaret (Bryce Denning) Spear, Joe (Curt Shearer), Kathryn Chaves, and Emma Chaves.
He was also a cherished great-grandfather to Ethan Hudson, Riley Hudson, Dylan Hudson, Brandon (Kaylee Peterson) Ruegge, Madison West, Emma West, Annie Albrecht, Nora Marlene Dobson, Arwen Dobson, Damien Tolman (deceased), Leo Reeves, and Marlene Reeves; and a proud great-great-grandfather to Theodore Ruegge.
He is survived by many nieces, nephews, and cousins in both Ecuador and the U.S. He had a special bond with his close nephew Byron (Kelly) Olmedo, nephew Martin Olmedo, niece Elise Olmedo, and dear friends Jose (Pepe) and Donna Acosta.
Gerardo was a man of great character and determination. He was educated at Juan Montalvo High School in Quito and The Morris Television-Radio School, Inc. in St. Louis. After arriving in St. Louis, Missouri, in May 1956, he worked initially at a sponge factory on the Mississippi River before opening his own TV repair shop in Richmond Heights. He later became the Quality Control Manager at Potter Electric from 1965 to 1988.
He proudly served in the U.S. Army in 1957 at Fort Bliss, Texas. He became a U.S. citizen on June 25, 1962.
Faith was central to Gerardo's life. He was a longtime parishioner of Little Flower Catholic Church in Richmond Heights, MO, and was involved in the Men's Club and shared his knowledge and passion for soccer with the elementary school teams.
He moved to Columbus, IN, in 2022, after his beloved sister, Edith, had a stroke and was unable to continue caring for him at home. He resided with his sister at Four Seasons Retirement Community, where they enjoyed each other's company, while his sister was instrumental in aiding the nurses in caring for her brother until his death. He and his children are forever grateful for the love, support, and care Edith has shown to Gerardo and all the family over the years.
Gerardo enjoyed coaching soccer for many years with his dearest friend, Pepe, at Little Flower Church and for the South-Central Rams. He found joy in teaching kids to control the ball by dribbling it downhill-one of many creative ways he helped them develop skills and confidence.
He also enjoyed playing traditional Ecuadorian music throughout the family home with his self-designed surround sound system that covered two floors, long before it became a standard in the industry. He loved to dance while enjoying his beloved Ecuadorian music. The family has many fond memories of bringing in the New Year with family and dearest friends. He shared many treasured memories of hunting doves and rabbits in Chaupimolino, Ecuador, his long walks to and from school while dribbling the ball and climbing eucalyptus trees.
Among his proudest accomplishments was his work with the Grand Jury in the Clayton Court System for five years.
He will be remembered for his humorous teasing, work ethic, and unwavering love for his family. Gerardo was a devoted husband and loving father, grandfather, and friend- funny, hardworking, and truly cherished by all who knew him. He was deeply loved by many. Gerardo's legacy lives on in the family he loved so dearly.
The family wishes to extend heartfelt thanks to the staff at Four Seasons Retirement Community for their compassionate care and values the friendships that were formed.
Visitation will take place on Friday, April 25th, at Little Flower Catholic Church in St. Louis, MO, from 4:00 until 7:00 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at the church on Saturday, April 26th at 10:00 AM. Following the service, the burial will take place at Resurrection Cemetery under the direction of Jay B. Smith Funeral Home.
Flowers and/or donations to the American Cancer Society, in memory of his loving wife, Marlene, are much appreciated.
A Celebration of Life for Gerardo will take place at Four Seasons at a later date in Columbus, IN.