Edwin Greg Chavez

Gregorio Edwino(Edwin) Chavez, 73 a lifetime New Mexico resident passed away May 30, 2023 in Edgewood NM, with his loving family beside him. Edwin was born February 14, 1950, in Red Hills, NM to Justo & Anita Maria Archibeque - Chavez Sr. He joined the United States Army October 31, 1968, serving in Vietnam for one tour where he was awarded a National Defense Service Medal, Marksman Sharpshooter, Driver & Mechanical Badge, Vietnam Service with two Bronze Stars, and Vietnam Campaign Medal. Edwin was a member of the Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Encino, NM. One word describes Edwin’s life, “trabajador” would be his legacy. Following the military he worked construction in Albuquerque and Santa Fe for several years. He then became a truck driver which included driving for the United States Mail Service all over New Mexico. After, he worked for the NM Highway Department in Clines Corners, NM. Following, he became a diesel mechanic for Hansen Aggregates until it closed. After the closing of Hansen he and his wife opened K&L Automotive where he operated the business as sole mechanic and tow operator servicing Encino and all surrounding areas. While in Encino he was his wife Loretta’s right hand man driving the ambulance or Fire Trucks for the Encino Volunteer Fire Department. He devoted his life to his wife, and making a home for her and their children. He loved a good party and any chance he could dance he would. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought a light to his life that beamed through his smile. Edwin left a mark on each person’s life he came into contact with. Edwin was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Loretta Garcia - Chavez; brother Leo Chavez; sister Susie Chavez; and two siblings who passed in infancy; sister in law Jean Chavez; nephew Steven “Bubba” Garcia; niece Jade Lily Chavez, and father in law Lorenzo Garcia. Edwin is survived by; mother in law Magdalena Garcia; two sons, Jonathan G. Chavez and his wife Patricia of Albuquerque, NM and Kevin Garcia and his wife Vanessa of Los Lunas, NM; three daughters, Matilda R. Griego and her husband Johnny Rey of Moriarty, NM, Christina L. Chavez of Vaughn, NM and Heather Sanchez and her husband Kevin of Vaughn, NM; four brothers, Justo Chavez Jr. and his wife Catherine, Paul Chavez, Phillip Chavez, and Dale Chavez and his wife Nancy; Brother in law Toby Chavez; two sisters Ruby Sanchez and her husband Arthur, and Kenny Sanchez and her husband Alonso; eight grandchildren Martin Griego, Irene Griego (Parker), Dionesia Chavez and Angelica Chavez; Mariah Sanchez (Alex), Angel Sanchez (Olivia), David Sanchez (Amaris), Skyler Abeyta, three great grandchildren, Aliah Mendez, Miaa Mendez and Kehlani Villalpando - Sanchez. Along with numerous, nieces, nephews and cousins. A Memorial Rosary will be recited Friday, June 16, 2023, at 10:00 AM followed by the celebration of Mass at 11:00 AM both at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Encino, New Mexico, with Father Timothy Meurer officiating. Burial of the cremains will follow at the Encino Catholic Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Martin Griego and David Sanchez. Honorary Pallbearers will be Parker Gurule, Alex Mendez, Curtis Chavez, Leo Chavez, Derek Sanchez, Adrian Chavez, Diego Sanchez, Felipe Chavez, James Sanchez, and Jerome Sanchez. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to the Harris-Hanlon Mortuary in Moriarty, NM.