Harold Raymond Cheves

Harold Raymond Cheves passed away on Monday, August 14, 2017, at the age of 83. Harold will be most remembered as a wonderful husband, father, teacher and coach. He had a gift for motivating young people and inspiring them to reach the fullest of their God-given potential. In his career, he positively influenced thousands of students and colleagues, and leaves a legacy of hard work and commitment that is to be admired and emulated. Harold will be remembered as a reserved, highly principled man. He was wise, and a source of sound advice when asked. Harold was steady and reliable, and modeled those qualities to his sons and grandchildren. He valued faith, family, and friendship.

Harold was born on January 27, 1934 to Leta Mae Crawford Cheves and Woodrow Cheves in Willow Point, TX. In his youth, he was most influenced by the faith and life of his mother and his maternal grandfather, Charles Crawford, and later by his step-father, Alvin T. Holt. Harold was a talented athlete, and attended Cisco Junior College, where he was recruited to play football. Harold matriculated to Abilene Christian College, where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree and met his wife, Janice Sutton. Harold and Jan were married in 1957 in Newport, Rhode Island, where Harold received his commission to the United States Navy, and Jan began her nursing career. They were a team for 60 years.

In 1958, Harold and Jan moved to Albuquerque, where Harold began a long and successful career as an educator, coach, and administrator with the Albuquerque Public Schools. His almost 40-year history with APS began at Armijo Elementary School, where he was the PE teacher. He then taught and coached basketball, baseball, football, and track and field at Jefferson Junior High School, and was on the inaugural faculty at Eldorado High School when it opened in 1969. There he served as assistant men’s basketball coach and later as head golf coach, ultimately serving as Athletic Director. He earned his Masters of Education degree from the University of New Mexico, and was hired into school administration by his friend and colleague, Allen Krumm. Harold served as assistant principal at Del Norte High School, Valley High School, and concluded his service as assistant principal at La Cueva High School in 1995. During his career, Harold coached many championship teams and received many commendations. He never boasted about his accomplishments, believing that he was only doing his job. Harold continued to enjoy life after he retired, playing golf regularly with good friends, attending his grandchildren’s sporting events and activities, and substitute teaching across the city.

Harold lived his faith. He was a dedicated member and deacon at the University Church of Christ, and continued that service at Montgomery Church of Christ, where he and his family have been active members since 1991.

Harold is preceded in death by his mother, Leta Mae Holt; and a brother, Rondal Cheves. Harold is survived by his wife, Jan Cheves; his sons and their families, Brad and Angela Cheves of Dallas, TX and Phil and Molly Cheves of Albuquerque; along with 5 grandchildren, Kyle, Conner, and Keaton Cheves of Dallas, and Hannah and Sutton Cheves of Albuquerque. Harold is also survived by one brother, James Cheves of Bridgeport, TX.

A visitation will be held at FRENCH - Wyoming, 7121 Wyoming NE on Friday, August 18 from 4-6 pm. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, August 19 at 1:00 pm at Montgomery Church of Christ, 7201 Montgomery Blvd NE, with a reception to follow at the Church. Harold will be buried at the Santa Fe National Cemetery in a private family ceremony. Memorial contributions may be made to the Children’s Ministry and Outreach, care of Lila Earwood, at Montgomery Blvd Church of Christ or The Albuquerque Christian Children’s Home at 5700 Winter Haven Rd. NW, 505-898-5520.