Christopher Chavez Sr.

Christopher Paul Chavez Sr. was born on September 24, 1964 to Patricia Evelyn Chavez. As a young boy, he was raised by his loving mother Patricia, Aunt Carol, and Grandmother Eva. His strong family values started here, where the focus was not on material things, but love for each other. He always had a strong bond with his mother, and his aunt and grandma always looked out for him. Some of his fondest memories from childhood were traveling with his mom, hanging with his aunt Carol, and waking up to Grandma Eva’s homemade tortillas and sopapillas. Growing up, Chris was always outside; either hanging with friends or doing something he probably wasn’t supposed to. Let him tell it, if he wasn’t schooling somebody in basketball or pool, he was skipping school to drive and cut grass with Rocky. Being a son of a single mother, Chris knew it was important to be a strong man for his family. Because of this, he was very fond of his Stepfather Rip, who showed him tough love, but taught him how to be a man. Working hard and being sharp is what Chris learned from Rip; turning him from a boy to a man.

As an adolescent, Chris was very confident, or “HAM” as his cousin would say. Always stepping out and showing out, Chris was the life of the party. He was even a finalist for May D&Fs “Who Is Mike” model competition back in the day! Chris would eventually graduate from Manual High School and start adulthood. Sooner than he imagined, stepping out and showing out would be a thing of the past, as he met the love of his life. Chris met a young lady by the name of Fonda as she was visiting her family in Denver one Summer. It was Love at First Sight, and life changed quickly as he began his new life with his lifelong best friend. Christopher and Fonda got married on Valentine’s Day at Pilgrim Lutheran Church in St. Louis which was Fonda’s hometown. St. Louis was always a 2nd home for Chris, as Fonda’s family embraced him like a son and brother. Chris and Fonda were blessed to have 3 children: Chris Jr., Corin, and Cree. Chris Sr. always strived to be the best husband and father. He stopped at nothing to provide for them, and was always there. He was at every game and recital, even if he had to go during his lunch break. He also made holidays the best for his family. His Christmas lights would put Clark Griswald to shame, and he would top Halloween every year with homemade decorations that gave his children long lasting memories. One Halloween, he had a really bad sprained ankle, and instead of resting, he dressed up as Frankenstein and walked around the neighborhood all night so his kids could trick-or-treat. More than anything, he made sure his family knew that they were loved. 

There aren’t enough words to describe the great man Chris was. We will never forget his strong presence, and how he taught us to be there for each other. As he now joins his loved ones in Heaven that he missed so much, he will continue to be loved and remembered by his family and others he impacted along the way. 

Chris departed this life to the embrace of the Lord on September 26, 2024 in Denver, Colorado. Those left to cherish his memory and mourn his loss include his son Chris Jr. and wife Jezabel; and daughter Cree.