Jose Hernandez Chavez

José Hernandez Chavez, 81, of Bath, Michigan passed away peacefully on December 14, 2020. José was born in Pontiac, MI and graduated from Pontiac Central High School in 1956. As one of 12 siblings, José grew up in humble surroundings and spent the better part of his youth as a migrant worker when he went to live with his maternal grandparents in Saginaw, MI. Due to those lived experiences, José was an active supporter of the United Farm Workers (UFW) and even met with Cesar Chavez when he visited Michigan State University in the early 1970s. During the Delano Grape Boycott, José supported the cause by not allowing table grapes in his house. Although he would later share stories of working the fields, the backbreaking work in the hot sun, and the poor conditions, it gave him a strong work ethic and the determination to create a better life for his future. José took those childhood experiences and moved to Lansing, MI after graduating high school and marrying, with his sights set on broader opportunities. José began his lifelong career at Michigan State University in 1961 – first on the poultry farms, then in what was known as Housing and Food Services, beginning as a pots and pans washer, up to a Cook 4, then to Production Supervisor. He retired in 1996 as Building Maintenance Supervisor at Brody Complex, overseeing the operation of five buildings. José was very active on campus, had a column in his departmental newsletter named “Chavez Sez”, and served on various university committees. Bilingual, he acted as a translator for Union issues under President Wharton and others. People often came to him with labor issues and he was always eager to assist. Working with Civil Rights, he helped them retain their jobs. During his tenure at MSU, José was also instrumental in starting the first union – Local #1585, in which he was active throughout his career.

In his late twenties, José found himself a single parent to three little daughters and worked tirelessly to juggle what is now known as WorkLife balance. In the late 1960s, it was almost unheard of for a man to be a single parent, but he, with the help of family and friends, pulled it off, always putting the needs of his daughters ahead of his own. After several years, José met and married the love of his life, Linda Warden, whom he affectionately called “Goodie Two Shoes” and with her three young daughters, they blended their families and had a daughter of their own, which brought the total to 7 daughters between them. Many years later, he and his wife would adopt their 4-year old granddaughter, raising 8 girls in all. It was a fun and trying time raising 7 daughters who would all jump on him in unison when they were little and kiss his cheeks off as he wrestled and tossed them off one-by-one. All his daughters brought him much joy and pride. All eight girls had their own special bond with José as he nurtured their interests with curiosity and sound advice. He taught his daughters to always be proud of who they are and where they came from – to take pride in their Aztec Indian and Mexican heritage; always forgive; always help those less fortunate; never mock or tease anyone who is different than themselves; and most importantly, to love God.

José had a servant’s heart and always opened his home to MSU students, mostly graduate students, who needed a place to stay during holidays and breaks and provided accommodations for several MSU fellows who came to MSU from all over the world. He also hosted business Rotarians from Germany, Rwanda, India and the Phililppines. José was an avid bird lover and raised chickens, guineas, and pigeons for many years. There was nothing that he didn’t know about birds, and he was known for his collection of rare antique Gould and Audubon prints and owned every bird book known to humankind. Every person that entered his home got what fondly became known as “the bird tour” – random visitors, tons of boyfriends, neighbors, you name it! It didn’t matter to José; you were getting the bird tour whether you liked it or not. José also loved 50s, 60s and Mexican music with Vicente Fernandez being his favorite artist. Every Sunday morning, Mexican music wafted throughout the house. He also loved antiquing, collecting guns, hunting, planting and caring for trees, Bob E. Super Chief, Coney dogs, and his little dog “Ponchito” who brought him joy and comfort near the end of his life, and all wildlife in general. Until his dying day, he was concerned that the birdfeeder was full and that corn, apples, carrots, etc., were strewn about the back yard for the deer and other wildlife.

Preceded in death are José’s parents, Maria Hernandez, Marcos Chavez, and Miguel Valenzuela; daughters, Deborah (Debbi) Bogle and Elizabeth (Betsy) Bogle; siblings, infant Richard, Sophia Chavez, Martha Riojas, Jessie (Chewy) Chavez, Steve Chavez, Avelina Chavez Aranjo, Miguel Valenzuela, Joyce De Los Rios; sisters-in-law, Penny (Frank) Valenzuela and Beverly (Miguel) Valenzuela; niece, Mary (Bubbles) Corpus and nephews Marcos Riojas and Mario Gutierrez.

Surviving are his loving and committed wife of 47 years, Linda Chavez; daughters, Evette Chavez, Mirandy Chavez, Michelle Chavez Muhammad, Bekki Bogle, and Circe Chavez (Joaquin) Rodriguez; grandchildren, Jequiloy Muhammad, Adanma Muhammad, Joshua Harper, Elijah Harper, Noah Chavez, Morgan Chavez, Clinton Warfield, Jon Warfield, Lizzy Warfield, Nasadia Rodriguez, and Joaquin Rodriguez; great-grandchildren, Jacob Harper, Adrian Harper, Serena Chaffee, Anastasia Warfield, and Jon Warfield; siblings, Frank (Pam) Valenzuela, Hope (Ed) Riley, Albert Valenzuela; many nieces and nephews; dear friend of many years, H. Michael Rice, dear and special friends, Eddie and Trish Elbert who brought José much joy, laughter, and unwavering assistance, and last but not least; his beloved Ponchito.

José lived a long, beautiful, loved filled life. He was the heart of our family. To define the word heart, it is the central or most important part of something. We will celebrate and cherish his lifetime of hard work, integrity, compassion, honor, and love for family, friends, and nature. He will forever be remembered as a husband, father, brother, uncle, grandfather, Godfather, and friend. José Hernandez Chavez, the man with the biggest heart. The heart of our family. We love you!

We would like to thank everyone for their love and support during this difficult time.

Due to Covid-19, private services will be held for José at Cristo Rey Church. As a family, we humbly ask that the private services for José be respected to keep everyone healthy and safe during this time. Instead, you may join the service by streaming it live on Cristo Rey’s Facebook page, January 2, 2021 at 11:00AM @ facebook.com/CristoReyChurch/. Thank you!

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Cristo Rey Church, 201 W. Miller Road, Lansing, MI 48911-4639.