John J Chavez

John Chavez passed away peacefully at home in Copperas Cove, Texas, on September 20, 2024. John was born on July 8, 1938, in Houston, Texas, to Sebastian Thomas Chavez and Ester Moreno. He attended St. Thomas High School, Class of 1957, where he formed many lifelong friendships and developed the values of faith and service that he cultivated throughout his life.

A Vietnam veteran, John served in the Army Medical Corps from 1957-1981, retiring with the rank of Sergeant First Class. John was stationed in Germany for 15 years, where he played football for the Berliner Bears (and earned the nickname, “Bear”). In Wildflecken, Germany, he met the love of his life, Dietlind (“Dieti”) Zobel, and they were married in Winterhausen in 1964. John and Dieti moved to Copperas Cove in 1972, but they continued to have close ties to family and friends in Germany and enjoyed visiting often.

After retiring from the Army, John worked at the VA in Temple, Texas, as an assistant Physical Therapist for 20 years. John loved playing handball and racquetball and spending time in the outdoors, whether camping, boating, or cruising the highway on his motorcycle. After retiring from the VA in 2001, John continued to volunteer there for 15 years, giving back to the veteran community that meant so much to him. An avid reader and music lover, John had a special fondness for classical music and jazz and could often be found relaxing in his favorite chair with a good book, soft jazz playing in the background. Quick to smile, with a laugh that filled the room, John most of all treasured his family and friends, whose visits he cherished above all else except for his faith.

John was preceded in death by his siblings Frank Chavez, Joe Chavez, Beatrice Andrado, and George (Lonnie) Chavez; his godson, David Hernandez; and his nephew, Earl G. Smith. Left to honor his memory are his beloved wife of 60 years, Dietlind Chavez; his niece Heide Zobel; his niece Dietlind Smith Hernandez and her husband, Israel, and son, Michael; and his extensive family both in the United States and Germany.

John often spoke of the wonderful education and guidance he received at St. Thomas High School. For those who wish, in lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the scholarship program at St. Thomas High School, 4500 Memorial Dr., Houston, TX 77007.

A Viewing will be held from 6-8 pm in the chapel at Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home, West Avenue B, Copperas Cove, TX 76522. The funeral Mass will be held on October 4 at 11:00 am at the Perpetual Adoration Chapel, Holy Family Catholic Church, 1001 Georgetown Rd, Copperas Cove, TX, followed by interment at Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery, Ft. Hood, TX.

The family would like to express their profound gratitude to Heart to Heart Hospice and Visiting Angels for their kind assistance during John's final days.