Juan Chavez

Services are scheduled for 10 a.m. Tuesday, May 14, at Trinity Temple Assembly of God for Juan Florez Chavez of Artesia.

Chavez, 96, passed away Tuesday, May 7, 2024, in Artesia.

Pallbearers are his nephews, Raymond Cruz and Benny Cruz, as well as his grandchildren, Rudy Florez, Dean Molinar, Dicky Ramirez, Gabriel Florez, Lanny Mahan and Athena Valdez.

Juan was born May 13, 1927, in Roswell to Sisto Chavez and Susana Florez. He was raised in Hope, where he sheared sheep and hung telephone poles. He later became a carpenter by trade and built many homes in Artesia while working for Howard Lewis.

In 1948, he met Rita Rodriguez, and the two were married in 1961.

Juan had a passion for music and dancing and was a very faithful servant to the Lord. There was not a Sunday that you wouldn’t hear him singing coritos in church, nor was there a person leaving on a trip that he would let leave without a blessing. Papo Chavez or Papo Cha, as he was known, will be greatly.

Survivors include daughters Margaret Molinar of Georgia, Gloria Ramirez and husband Billy of Albuquerque, Juanita Hernandez and husband Pete of Artesia, and Marina Mahan of Roswell; 15 grandchildren; and numerous great-, great-great- and great-great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Rita Rodriguez Chavez; his parents, Sisto and Susana Chavez; brother Santiago Calderon; sisters Paula Cruz, Angie Chavez and Amparo Sanchez; sons Fred Florez and Luis Florez; son-in-law Carlos Molinar; daughter-in-law Mickey Florez; and grandsons Harold Molinar, Danny Ramirez and Tim Ramirez.

Arrangements are under the direction of Terpening & Son Mortuary. Condolences may be expressed online at www.artesiafunerals.com.