Anselmo Chavez

Anselmo Arturo Chavez beloved Father, Grandfather, and Brother went home to be with our Lord and Savior on Thursday, January 17, 2013 at the age of 80. He passed peacefully in the loving arms of his family. Anselmo was born in Quemado, NM to Juanita Provencher and Manuel Chavez on April 21, 1932. He grew up on his mother's cattle ranch in Quemado and helped with daily tasks on the ranch. At the age of only 16 he proudly joined the Marines. Anselmo was combat wounded as he fought for his country during the Korean War during six combat campaigns. He continued to serve in both the Marines and Air Force until he retired as a Master Sergeant after 21 years of service. He subsequently went on to work in a variety of capacities for the next several decades. He was the first in his family to graduate from college and received several degrees. He earned an Associate's degree in Accounting, a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, and dual Bachelor's degrees in both Business and Economics. He also completed graduate work at the University of Nebraska. Anselmo was heavily involved in politics. He enjoyed following politics and, just like his father, he was a candidate for several political seats including City Council, Governor, U.S. Congress, and U.S. Senate. Of all of his many accomplishments, his greatest joy and accomplishment in life was his family. His life was enriched with the birth of each of his seven children, Jacqueline, Mark, Jack, Arthur, Varn, Margaret, and Marie. He did an incredible job of instilling a sense of confidence and pride in his children. He taught each of his children incredible strength, determination, confidence, and most of all, how to love. He was so protective of his children. His dedication to his children continued even when they were grown. He continued to protect and watch over his grown children every chance he could. Anselmo was the pillar of strength for his family and leaves us wondering what we will do without him. He is survived by his brother, Joaquin M. Chavez and his wife, Dorothy of NM; his sister, Elvira Roybal and her husband, Alejandro; his children, Jacqueline Britton of NV, Mark Chavez of NM, Jack Chavez of CA and his wife, Katsue, Arthur Chavez of CA, Varn Chavez of AZ and his wife, Danielle, Margaret Kennedy of CO and her husband, Glenn, and Marie Chavez of CA. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Alec, Macie, Devin, and Eileen, as well as extended family and friends. We love you, we are so proud of you. We will be with you again. Friends may visit Wednesday, January 23, 2013 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m at FRENCH - Wyoming. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Thursday, January 24, 2013, 10:00 a.m. at St. Charles Borromeo Parish, 1818 Coal Place SE . Interment will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Jack Chavez, Arthur Chavez, Varn Chavez, Alec Chavez, Gary Chavez, and Glenn Kennedy. Honorary Pallbearers will be Joaquin M. Chavez, Mark Chavez, Dennis Chavez, David Chavez, and Alejandro Roybal.