Abran L. Chavez

Abran Lasaro Chavez, 95, was born on March 16, 1923, and went to heaven to be with God on May 13, 2018.  Abran’s greatest treasure was his family.  He was known to his family as:  Devoted Husband, Amazing Father, Beloved Patriarch of our Family, Servant of God, Naval Veteran of World War II, Loyal Friend, and Incredible Musician.

He was preceded in death by three sons, Manuel, Alfonso, and Andrew; his father, Brijido; and mother, Abelina; sister, Pat; and brothers, Augustine and Alfonso.

He is survived by his wife, Rosina, having been married 69 years and 8 months. Their marriage is our family legacy.  He is survived by two sons, Robert, and wife Lenore; and Abran, Jr., and wife Lizzie; 12 Grandchildren; 22 Great-grandchildren; and two brothers, Frank and Richard.

Pallbearers will be his oldest grandsons: Steve, Eric, Markos and Chris.  Abran had a very good sense of humor and had friends in every direction throughout his life.  He loved music and could play the guitar, bass, harmonica, organ, violin, ukulele, among other instruments.  He taught himself all these instruments and was an expert guitarist who loved to sing Christian songs to the Lord with anyone who would join him.

He was a World War II hero, having served in the US Navy, on the USS Napa, which was a Haskell-class attack transport of the US Navy, which fought on the Pacific battlefront of WW II attaining victory at the Battle of Iwo Jima.  He drove the landing craft that delivered soldiers on shore and recovered fatalities of the battle.

He had a distinguished work history having worked in the Coal Mines from the age of 14-21 to support the war effort, for the federal government at Fort Wingate Army Depot for 23 ½ years, for the Port of Entry at the NM/AZ border, and as a supervisor for the City Parks, City of Gallup, NM, until he retired with distinction.

Dad, you were our strength, our rock, always faithful, always sacrificing, and always loving us.  Well done, good and faithful servant!

A celebration of Abran’s life will be held on Thursday, May 17, 2018 at 6:30 p.m. at Albuquerque Bible Church, 320 Montano Rd NW, Albuquerque, NM 87107.

His internment will be at the National Cemetery in Santa Fe, NM on Monday, May 21, 2018, at 12:45 pm.