1935-2026
Ernesto Jose Chavez, 90, of Sabinal, New Mexico, passed away on Tuesday March 31, 2026.
His faith in God was his guiding light, and he devoted his life to serving others in numerous ways. A lifelong Catholic, he was a member of Los Hermanos de la Fraternidad Piadosa De Nuestro Padre Jesús De Nazareno, from the Morada de San Juan Bautista in Veguita, NM. Ernesto also volunteered with the St. Vincent de Paul Society for Our Lady of Sorrows Parish in La Joya, NM for 32 years, receiving the Jubilarian Award in 2016 for 27 years of dedication.
He was born in 1935 in Cerro, NM as the oldest of 7 children. He spent time sheepherding in the mountains of Wyoming and Colorado as a child, much preferring the outdoors to time inside. In 1965, he moved to Bernardo, where he spent most of his 36-year career with the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish. He was instrumental in developing the agricultural practices at the Ladd S.Gordon Waterfowl Complex, feeding millions of Sandhill Cranes and Snow Geese over the years. He also traveled throughout the state to support other projects.
He loved animals of all kinds, whether it was the birds he grew corn for, the neighbor’s dog, or the stray cats that he fed. His commitment to the community was also evident in his over 25 years of service as a volunteer firefighter with the Abeytas Fire Department. In his spare time, he was often tending his garden, visiting friends or taking a trip to the casino. He was often the only one who would win!
Ernesto was a quiet, steadfast and compassionate son, father, brother, uncle, grandfather, neighbor, and friend. He brought so much joy and care into the lives of everyone he touched. He was genuinely invested in everyone’s wellbeing and was selfless in what he gave. He leaves behind a lifetime of memories and stories that his family will cherish forever.
His pride and joy was his family. He often went camping with his siblings and their families, and loved attending family reunions. Retirement allowed him to travel, often visiting children and grandchildren. He loved playing with his nietos and could often be found with them on the playground or sledding down a hill. He was also a jokester, and would often try to wake you with feathers. He was a kid at heart and relived his childhood through his grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his two loving wives, Emilia Adelia Segura Chavez and Maria Dulcinea Chavez, son Melvin Chavez, parents Juan and Delfinia Chavez, son-in-law Brent Hunt, and brother Francisco Chavez.
He is survived by his children: Ronnie Chavez (Stephanie) of Cerro, NM; Brenda Hunt of Alamogordo, NM; Carmella Tharnish (Tom) of Monument, CO; Michelle Chavez (Latricia) of Colorado Springs, CO; and Michael Chavez of Bernardo, NM. He is also survived by 11 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great granddaughter, and loving extended family and friends.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Vincent de Paul La Joya. Checks can be made out to St Vincent de Paul – La Joya, and mailed to 1052 Highway 304, Veguita, NM 87062., Highway 304
The family would like to give a special thanks to caregivers Martha Vasquez, Rose Chavez and Maria Estrada and to the caring staff with High Desert Hospice.
A sincere heartfelt thank you to Brenda for the selfless, loving and nurturing care you gave daddy these past few years.
