Martin and his brothers Paul and Ruben helped me through some tough times when I got out of the service in 1973 when I felt lost and unaccepted after serving in Vietnam they ask me to play on their softball team when they were short a player, thereafter forming friendships  with them playing other sports, even asking me to join them in parties, picnics and making me feel like family for years and years and I will  forever be grateful.

It was a pleasure to know Martin and whether you were playing against his team or you were on his team, it was always an enjoyable experience.  But the best part was after the games were over and you went out to get something to eat.  There were always good conversations, chiding about the match, planning for next week or just talking about life.  That is what I will miss most and it was a joy to know him.

A bright light was extinguished with Martins passing  the world will be better when more men live like he did. We will miss him. 

It's been a very long time, but I can still remember that big smile.  It was always there.  RIP

Martin one thing I will surely miss is that comforting smile you always had every time I saw you and will now continue my Journey with " WWMD ".

As a child, one of my biggest fears was my parents dying.

I didnt have a good reason for the fear. My parents didnt travel much. They didnt drink or smoke. They werent bungee jumping extremists. I didnt even see a mountain until my 20s.

One day, I asked my parents what would happen if they both died. My mom said if they both passed away, the four of us would live with my uncle Martin and aunt Marilyn. My exaggerated nightmare of living on the streets with my orphaned siblings disappeared. My fear was still there, of course. But the fear came with a comfort  uncle Martin and aunt Marilyn would be there for us. We would never be alone.

On January 6th, I received a text from my mom.

It is with great sadness I must tell you your uncle Martin passed away this evening.

I forgot I used to be terrified of becoming an orphan. I must have outgrown the fear. My parents survived to see the four of us to adulthood. And I guess, with adulthood, I received the wisdom of unnecessary fears.

My child-self is devastated. The arms I would (thankfully, never) fall into are gone.

Martin didnt want his family to be sad over his untimely death. Dont worry, be happy played at his remembrance today. With those words, I remember he is still my comfort.

Uncle Martin - you are still one of my favorites.


As one of my first clients and friend, Martin & Marilyn also have been a pleasure to work with. Family was always very important. I see his many friends & family will miss him greatly. - Jim Porter

Martin you will always be my Role Model in life, when it comes to being a Good Person. I Hope to have half the following you had when it comes to the Respect and Love you received in your life. You'll always be my Big Brother and I will still try and make you Proud of Me in my life. I'm so Happy, I was able to be with you as much as I could in the final months of your life. I will carry all of memories of our life Good and Bad as they will always be life lessons. Marilyn, Missy and Mark .... I will always be here for you all and your families. 
My Brother Martin, till we meet again...
I LOVE & MISS YOU MARTY

How many thousands of miles did we ride preparing for the MS150. How many softball games did we play...and win undefeated! How many soccer games at the Soccer Dome? Martin, you had such a great time bring people together to have such great times. 
 You will be missed. Let's plan on continuing when we all meet again. Good Luck and God's speed...on your left!

Martin was one of the kindest people I have ever known.  His love for family was unmatchable, especially evident in the mutual love and admiration between he and his grandkids.  My thoughts and prayers are with all who loved him.  Martin will remain in our hearts forever.

It is with His strength we find comfort in knowing Martin is free of his misery and has joined Dad, Mary and Henry in the afterlife.   Martin, who we liked to call   Chief, not only because he was our fearless leader but because he was someone we all looked up to for advice, a shoulder to cry on, an ear to listen, a helping hand, a laugh, talking cars, talking sports, you name it, he was readily available.   Marilyn, Missy, Mark, Rusty & Jessica, we admire and commend the way you took care of our brother, your husband, your Dad.  Even while sick, he hated the disruption in your lives and all of you gave up so much to make these last few months as comfortable for him as you possibly could and for that we are so grateful.
Carry on Chief
Dilly Dilly.  


I am thinking of you, Marilyn, and your family.  Sending you love and prayers.

We will definitely miss Marty!  His smile lit up the offices at Thoroughbred!!!  My thoughts and prayers are with his family!!

Martin was such a kind heart'd, warm spirited human being. My husband and I first met Martin in 1981, at the grocery store. He was the best of the best of a human being. My husband, Bob was from up-state New York, and a die hard Yankee's fan. We buried him in an official Yankee's uniform. It always amazed me how the 2 of them would talk baseball each time we'd shop. Never once did Martin ever say an unkind word about the Yankee's. That enough promoted him to sainthood in my book. My deepest, deepest condolences to Martin's entire family. Heaven has gained a saint.

The Great Martino ...........!!!
You were a great friend and a pleasure to work with at Thoroughbred.
I miss you and I miss giving you a hard time!!
God speed ............. we will meet again.

My condolences to my cousin Martin family. I wish we could have been able to see more of our families when we were younger God be with you. Connie [ chavez] Livingston.     Aiken South Carolina

may god be with you now. Hit it long and straight.

Our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Chavez. Draw close to God in prayer in your time of grief as he promises to stay close to you. Romans 12:12

My condolences to the whole Chavez Family, Martin was one of the kindest, most unassuming man I have ever met. It is a privilege to call him a friend. Martin was a blessing to his children and grandchildren: his kindness, steadfastness and humor will live on through them.

OBITUARY

Martin Chavez, Jr.

April 30, 1949 – January 6, 2018

McGilley Antioch Chapel

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