Daniel R. Chavez

Daniel “Danny” Chavez, 69, of Marana, AZ passed away May 22, 2023.  Danny was born December 11, 1953 in Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua, Mexico.  He lived most of his childhood in El Paso, Texas where he met his high school sweetheart soon-to-be wife, Gloria Irene Chavez.  In 1972, he moved to Morenci, AZ and began his mining career with Phelps Dodge Mining Company and Freeport-McMoRan.  Danny’s mining experience began as a laborer on the surface and then the smelter.  As time progressed, he became a locomotive engineer, haul truck driver and heavy equipment operator.  Towards the end of his career, he became a heavy-duty equipment trainer.  He loved working and providing for his family.   He semi-retired in 2009 and moved to Marana, AZ, but continued working in the mining industry for Asarco, Capstone Copper and Robinson’s Mine a few more years until finally officially retiring from mining in 2016.

When Danny wasn’t working he was enjoying his time with his family or playing some kind of sport.  He played basketball, football, softball, tennis, pool, bowling and his beloved golf.  He was lucky enough to get hired as a marshal for the Heritage Highlands Golf Course and finally Stone Canyon Golf Club in Oro Valley, AZ.  He would always brag about getting paid to have fun.

Danny was a loving husband, incredible father, wonderful grandfather “Papa” to his seven grandchildren, and true friend. Danny is preceded in death by his parents Alfredo and Francisca Chavez.  He is survived by his wife, Gloria, daughters, Bernadette, Allison (Joaquin) and Danielle. Grandchildren Kaileb, Cyrus, Daylen, Jaiden, Avian, Liliana and Cayla.

Services TBD