Joseph D. Chavez

Lt. Colonel Joseph D Chavez, passed away at Raymond G. Murphy Veterans Administration Hospital in Albuquerque, NM on November 18, 2018.

Joe was born July 17, 1925 in Belen, New Mexico to Vicente

B. Chavez and Librada "Libby" Landavazo Chavez. He will always be cherished and remembered for loving his family and his country.

Joe joined the Navy in April 1942 at the age of 17 but soon was transferred to the 1st Marine Division. He was wounded in Peleliu while manning a flamethrower in battle. In 1946 Joe served in China as an Engineer on the USS Currier and was again wounded in battle. He attended the University of New Mexico, earning Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees. He entered the US Army Reserves while attending UNM, was commissioned as a 1st Lieutenant, and fought in Korea from 1951 to 1953.

Joe attended Command and General Staff College at Ft. Leavenworth and the Army War College where he completed a second Master’s Degree. From 1952 to 1962 he served in field artillery batteries, becoming Commanding Officer and serving as Battalion Adjutant and Division Assistant G-1.

From 1963 to 1966 he was Professor and Department Head of Military Science (ROTC) at the University of Illinois. He served in Vietnam from 1967 to 1968 at the rank of Lt. Colonel, and was wounded in an attack by the North Vietnamese and Viet Cong in February 1968. Joe then served in Germany as Commander of an artillery group supporting the German Army Corps. He returned to Albuquerque becoming Chief of Plans and Operations Officer and R&D representative at the Nuclear Weapons School, Sandia Base.

Joe returned to Germany in 1970 as Commander of the 57th Artillery Group in Herbornseelbach. He concluded his distinguished military career in Albuquerque at Nuclear Weapons School, where he retired on August 1, 1972: Joe received forty-three citations, including; Legion of Merit; Meritorious Service Medal; three Purple Hearts and six Air Medals for Helicopter Operations in Vietnam. Joe taught at Eldorado High School before going to the Albuquerque Public Schools Central Office where he worked with special needs students and developed outreach programs. He retired from the APS in August 1987. Joe earned another Master’s Degree at UNM, nearly completing his PhD. He taught Special Education at UNM from 1987 to 1992. He was a fervent follower of UNM Lobo football and basketball.

Joe worked as an actor and appeared in several television shows and as an extra in movies. He traveled extensively throughout the world; including Europe, the old Soviet Union, South America, Japan, China, Vietnam, Thailand, Philippines, South Pacific, Canada, Mexico and all 50 states. Joe was a Mason at Lodge #68, a Shriner, a member of the DAV, VFW, Military Order of the Purple Heart, Sister Cities, and St. Mary’s Episcopal Church.

Joe was predeceased by two wives, Stella B. Chavez and Helen G. Chavez; his parents, Vicente B. and Librada "Libby" Landavazo Chavez; daughters, Jo Ann Sanchez and Evelyn Garcia and son, Don Chavez; brothers, Ignacio and Raymond Chavez and sisters, Adela Sanchez and Stella Barela. He is survived by his wife, Mary Helen Chavez; sister, Gertrude Torres; sister-inlaw, Clorie Chavez; daughters; Carol Majerus (Jerry), Paula Eller (Jerry) and son, Vincent Chavez (Kim); step-daughters; Elaine Ennis (John), Janelle Yuska (Mark); and many grandchildren, great-children, nieces and nephews and cousins.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, December 8th, 10:00 AM at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, 1500 Chelwood Park Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87112 with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made in Joe’s name to the Shriners Children’s Hospital c/o Ballut Abyad Shriners, 6600 Zuni Rd SE, Albuquerque, NM 87108. LTC Joseph D Chavez will receive full military honors at his interment at the Santa Fe National Cemetery on Monday, December 10th at 1:30.

CARLISLE CHAPEL 3113 Carlisle Blvd., NE (505) 884-1188 www.danielsfuneral.com