William Rojelio Chavez

William “Mickey” Rogelio Chavez, 91, of Santa Ana, California, entered Heaven’s gates on Thursday, October 16, 2025. He was born on March 10, 1934, in Oceanside, California, to Pedro Chavez and Juana Rogelio, and was the beloved brother of Manuel, Margaret, Pete, Raymond, Rosie, Petra, Joseph, and Johnny.

Mickey first met the love of his life, Irene Chavez, in the summer of 1944 while their families were picking prunes; he was 10, and she was 8. He went on to play four years of varsity baseball at Oceanside High School. Upon graduation, he joined the U.S. Army as a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division and served for four years before receiving an honorable discharge as a Corporal. He later married Irene on September 21, 1957, and the two moved to Santa Ana, where they raised their three children: Kent, Bruce, and Debbie.

Mickey is survived by his family, his sister Petra; his children Kent Gerard, Bruce William, Deborah Ann Marie; his grandchildren Kent William, Gilbert Anthony, Emily Jayne, Serena Marie; and great-grandchildren Ryder Delane, Jett Elaine, William Sterling, Jeremiah David, Wheeler Kealoha and Ricky Ryan.

Mickey was a determined and hardworking man, and it showed in everything he did—from running ten 5Ks, two half-marathons, and eight marathons to giving his all in his career. After 40 years with Boeing, he retired in 2000. Even then, he stayed active by serving as the local crossing guard for Greenville Elementary.

He enjoyed watching action movies and never passed up a McDonald’s or Red Robin cheeseburger with warm fries and an ice-cold Coke. Some of his well-known sayings included “¿Comprendes Méndez o te explico Federico?” and his familiar “Oh hell.” Mickey cared deeply for his family and friends. He will be missed by many, but we find peace in knowing he is reunited with his beloved Irene.