Jose Francisco Chavez

After a short struggle with a respiratory infection, he passed away surrounded by his loving wife and family.

Joe is survived by his wife Rosie and seven children: Elizabeth Reese, Tricia Porter and husband Kevin, Georgette Duane and husband Brian,Mike Hewitt and wife Rose, Heather Martinez, Eric Chavez and wife Natasha, Nathaniel Chavez, Stephanie Peters and 16 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. His brothers: Lewis Antonio, Charles Cruz, Christopher Bernabe, Daniel Guadalupe, and Gilbert Alexander. His sisters: Mary Elizabeth Moreno, Patsy Jane Arbelaez, Thelma Dolores Rumfola, Theresa Anna Rosas, Juliana Ester Zavala and Marie Antoinette.

He is proceeded in death by his parents Tony Garza Chavez and Antoinette Espitia Chavez, brothers Stephen Albert Chavez and Eli Israel Chavez and his grandson Daniel Porter and son-in-law Robert Reese.

Joe was born in Houston on March 12, 1944. He enlisted into the Army. Joe served in the 82nd Airborne Division of the Army from 1963 to 1967 in Korea.

After the Army, he met the love of his life Rosie and they married in 1973.

He spent most of his life as a long-haul trucker and was most proud professionally of never having a single wreck or accident despite diving a million miles while visiting every nook and cranny of the United States.

Joe was a great cook - a chef, without a restaurant - and someone who cared about family above anything else. He was a shoulder to cry on, a great lister and someone who never stopped learning. He was a faithful man who could make amazing barbeque.

Joe Chavez left a mark on everyone he touched with his enthusiastic smile and tight hugs and handshakes. He will be remembered as a great husband, devoted father, wonderful grandfather and someone who had wisdom for those seeking it.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ForestParkLawndaleFH.com for the Chavez family.