Jose was born on June 3, 1932 in Gallina, N.M. to Max and Santana Sanchez Chavez who preceded him in death. Joe was also preceded in death by his wife, Anita (Annie) Nieto Chavez of Alamagordo.N.M. His brother, Ernest Chavez of Artesia, N.M., and his sister, Anna Rae Fletcher of Aurora, Colorado.
Joe served honorably in the US Navy from 1949-1953 during the Korean war.
Joe married Anita Nieto on July 4, 1954. They raised twin daughters, Kathryn and Karla in Alamogordo, N.M.
Joe was employed by Holloman Air Force Base with the Fire Dept and later left to be employed at the 846 High Speed Test Track Squadron where he worked as a Electronic technician for 35 years. He was highly skilled in his trade and handled the Aircraft Systems Munitions Electronic Aerodynamics. He was recognized with many awards. He was highly respected and admired by his colleagues. He retired from civil service after 35 years.
Joe loved the outdoors and loved and adored the mountains of New Mexico. His joys included deer hunting and camping with his hunting buddies, Arthur John Ramirez, Johnny Ramirez, Arthur Zamora and Rick. They shared many memories. Another joy was sitting by the rocks at Bermuda Lake and reflect on his loves and blessings. He shared Pinon pickings with his twin daughters. He enjoyed working in his yard, planting trees, and his own vegetable garden.
Joe was given blessed hands that knew many trades which he mastered. He was a carpenter and could build anything that included a small house or remodeling. He could build a fireplace and he was also a welder. He also highly skilled Ping Pong player and enjoyed playing with his professional Ping Pong League. He received many awards for his Ping Pong skills and gamesmanship. He also enjoyed NFL football and enjoying this sport with his family joining him.
Joe was an AVID fan of horse racing and betting on the horses and races. He traveled to race tracks all over New Mexico with his daughters at his side. He always had that racing form wherever he went. This he called his "BIBLE". His racing track buddies came to his house often and there they would share tips, and information while sharing a few beers to chase this down. Upon winning he would invite everyone over for grilling steaks and rib-eyes. His bar-b-que techniques were over the top. Another joy was cooking and baking sourdough bread and cookies. A HOUSEHOLD RULE to keep a pot of pinto beans brewing at all times.
Jose is survived by his twin daughters, Kathryn Jackson Birdwell and wiife Charlotte R Birdwell of Corpus Christi, Texas and Karla Ozunal of Tampa, Florida.
He is also survived by his ex-wife Irene Pinada of Alamagordo, N.M., and step daughters, Michelle & husband John Haley of Alamagordo, N.M., Nicki and husband Kevin Zamora of Tilarosa, N.M., Lucy and husband Manuel Duran of Tularosa, N.M., and Ginger Pinada of Ruidoso. N.M. His step son, Johnny Ray De La Cruz of San Diego, Calif.
Joe had 6 grandchildren. Andrew and wife Stephanie Jackson,of Bossier City, La, Dejon and wife Monica Jackson of Corpus Christi, Tex,, Tanisha Jackson of Bossie City La., Sheree and husband Josh Arevalo and Michael Martinez of Tampa, Fla, and Lance Bradford of Bossier City, La There are also 6 great grandchildren, 8 step grand children and 5 step great grandchildren.
Joe is also survived by his FAVORITE loving sister, Mary Gonzales. Not only was she his sister, she was his best friend, his cheerleader, his mentor, and his caregiver. She was his guiding light and soul healer. He so loved her, looked up to her. He believed she could walk on water and jump over high mountains. They were joined at the hip for many years. She is also of Roswell, N.M. She nursed and cared for him many, many years, they shared a bond that was never broken. They shared a very special brother/sister relationship. There were and are so many laughs, tears, memories, stories to be remembered of the two of them and their families.
The last few months of his life he was cared for by his daughter, Kathryn and her wiife Charlotte in Corpus Christi, Texas. Here he would reflect on his life and all that he had been blessed with. He shared this time with his daughter at the beach watching the waves roll in towards him, enjoying the sunlight on his face.
He left words of wisdom with his daughters...to love one another always and to stand strong by your family, to be true to yourselves, and the most important value in life is to always share your love with others. Never to be greedy and take no one for granted, This is the one gift he planted inside his girls. Family , blood or not, he truly had enough love for all.
Joe will be missed by all who loved him the most.
Joe never liked goodbyes, he preferred," I will see you all in the CARTOON NETWORK!"
Visitation for family and friends will be Thursday, Oct 9, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 pm. at Funeraria Del Angel-Memorial Holly. Memorial services with military honors will be Friday, Oct 10, at 10 am at Funeraria Del Angel-Memorial Holly,
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