Michael Fredrick Chavez

August 12, 1952 – July 20, 2025

Michael “Mike” Chavez passed away peacefully at home in El Paso, Texas, on July 20, 2025, at the age of 72, surrounded by the family he loved deeply.

Born in Pueblo, Colorado, Mike spent much of his life in Texas and Utah, moving frequently across the country for his work in the railroad industry. He was known for his strength, loyalty, and principle. Over four decades with Union Pacific Railroad, he rose to the position of Director of Operations. He took immense pride in improving struggling ports—growing some from 30 outbound cars a month to over 500—and played an integral role in shaping freight infrastructure at the U.S.–Mexico border. He retired in 2014, honored and fulfilled.

Mike married his lifelong partner, Rosemary Gutierrez, on May 29, 1976, in Reno, Nevada. Together, they raised three children and built a family grounded in love, tradition, and humor. Mike loved his children fiercely, and watching his grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought him unmatched joy.

A man of many talents and passions, Mike enjoyed golfing, remodeling homes, playing pool, traveling, collecting tequila, and playing the guitar. His true passion project later in life was the family trailer court, where he poured his time into building, painting, and restoring homes. He showed love through service—cooking, giving gifts, fixing what was broken, and simply sitting back to admire his family’s happiness.

He was a man of sayings and conviction:

“If you can’t do it right, don’t do it at all.”

“What you did for me yesterday doesn’t mean anything today—get to work.”

“Always do the honorable thing.”

Mike was the person people came to when things were serious—from advice on finances and stocks to heartbreak and loss. He was a steady voice of wisdom, and his impact stretched far beyond his family.

He is survived by his wife Rosemary; his children Erika, Michael, and Meeka; grandchildren Frisco, Makayla, Stone, Samantha, Amanda, and Alyssa; great-grandchildren Carsyn, Jace, Blake, Raegan, Noah, and Reylyn; and his brother Kenny Chavez.

A celebration of Mike’s life will be held on Wednesday, July 30, at 12:30 PM at Funeraria Del Angel Hillcrest West, 5054 Doniphan Dr., El Paso, TX. All are welcome to gather in his honor.

His favorite song: Borrachera by Little Joe

His favorite movie: The Ten Commandments

His favorite scripture: The Book of Job

And every morning, you could count on him asking: “Where are we going for breakfast—and did you iron my shirt?”