Jesse was born on June 16, 1952. He grew up in Veribest, TX, later attending and graduating from San Angelo Central High School in 1971. Shortly after graduation, Jesse was drafted into the U.S. Army, proudly serving in Germany and later on home soil in the Army National Guard from 1972 to 1981, attaining the rank of Sergeant. While serving in the National Guard, he earned a B.A. in Business from Angelo State University.
Following his military service, Jesse worked in a variety of jobs across West Texas before beginning a 35-year career with ExxonMobil, ultimately becoming a senior operations technician. During this time, he married his forever partner, Blanca, in 1991 and became a father to two daughters, Bianca and Samantha. His work eventually relocated him to South Texas, where he and his family made their home in La Feria, Texas. After retirement (2017), he enjoyed spending his time woodworking, gardening, taking trips to the pulga, watching his favorite television shows and movies, and, most of all, spending time with his family. He was a special man who will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Jesse is survived by his wife Blanca Chavez; daughters Bianca Chavez and Samantha Chavez; siblings Paula Rodriguez, Leticia (Joe) Del Rio, Neal Chavez, John Chavez, Raymond Chavez, Tonie (Frankie) Chavez, and Cruz (Tammie) Chavez Jr.; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Jesse was preceded in death by his mother Bernarda Barco and father Cruz Chavez Sr.
We would like to thank all who visited Jesse, kept him company, and—most importantly—prayed for him and our family during this difficult time. Your kindness and prayers have meant so much and showed Jesse, and all of us, how deeply he was loved.
A visitation will be held at Heavenly Grace Funeral Home & Memorial Park, located at 26873 N. White Ranch Road, La Feria, Texas, 78559, on December 7, 2025, from 2:00 pm to 10:00 pm. A rosary will take place at 7:00 pm on the same day.
The burial will occur at Heavenly Grace Memorial Park, 26873 N. White Ranch Road, La Feria, Texas, 78559, on December 8, 2025, at 2:00 pm.