Frank C. Chavez Sr., lovingly known by family and friends as Richard, was born on September 24, 1946, in Artesia, New Mexico, and passed away on June 30, 2026, at the age of 79.

On July 22, 1963, he married the love of his life, Linda Chavez. Together they built a life centered on love, hard work, and family.

A dedicated concrete mason for many years, Richard took great pride in working hard and doing the job right. He was never afraid of hard work and always did his best to provide for his family.

Music was one of his greatest passions. Before losing his voice, Richard loved to sing and could spend hours recording himself performing songs he had written, as well as songs by some of his favorite artists. Music brought him comfort, joy, and a way to express himself, and sharing those songs with family and friends was something he truly enjoyed.

He leaves behind a family who will forever remember the love, guidance, and cherished memories he gave them: his children, Cynthia Chavez Ramos; Gilda and Henry Peña; Frances and Gabriel Bustinza; and Frank C. Chavez Jr.; his nieces, Loretta Flores and Glenna Rendon; his grandchildren, Chris and Katelyn Ramos, JJ Ramos, Gia and Richie Velasquez, Isaac and Kylie Peña, Josette and Jeremiah Ruiz, Devon Bustinza, Robert Garcia, Miranda Garcia and Alejandro Pinela, and Andrew Garcia; his great-grandchildren, Kegan, Kairi, and Carter Ramos; Ava-Marie Jeter; Austyn and Asher Velasquez; Mahalia, Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Emiliano Ruiz; and Esmeralda Linda Pinela; his brother-in-law, Alex Gonzales; his sister-in-law, Lupe Jurado; and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family members.

Richard's legacy is one of hard work, love, and music. His family will always carry with them the lessons he taught, the songs he sang, and the many moments they shared together.