Rafael Fernandez Chavez

Rafael is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Estella Hinojosa Chavez; his children, Maria Del Pilar (Matthew) Tatum and Rafael H. Chavez; and his grandchildren, Caleb Tatum and Madison Tatum.

Born in Matamoros, Mexico, he was the youngest of six brothers. During his youth he played sports and was an Olympic trial runner. Rafael was attending a wedding one weekend where he met the love of his life, Estella Hinojosa Chavez, whom he married on October 12, 1968. He ran a successful business in North Houston until his retirement in 2003.

Rafael had a passion for fishing, hunting, and playing softball and volleyball. He loved watching his favorite baseball team, the Houston Astros, and his favorite soccer team, America. His absolute favorite thing to do, however, was spend time with his family. His grandchildren were everything to him. He had such a beautiful relationship with his grandson, Caleb, who has autism. Words were never needed between them. They understood each other and had an untouchable bond.

Rafael is preceded in death by his parents, Jose Evaristo Chavez and Leandra Fernandez Longoria; and his loving brother, Juan Chavez, who passed away in 2021.

Rafael had a larger-than-life personality and brought joy to everyone through his love and his humor. He was a wonderful man that was loved, is missed, and will always be cherished by all who were lucky enough to know him.

The family will receive friends for Rafael Fernandez Chavez 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM on Tuesday, May 31, 2022 at Forest Park South Funeral Home. A rosary service will be held at 6:00 PM on Tuesday, May 31, 2022 at the funeral home. The funeral service will be held 11:00 AM on Wednesday, June 1, 2022 at Forest Park South Funeral Home. The family of Rafael Fernandez Chavez is being assisted by Forest Park South Funeral Home 12650 Shadow Creek Parkway, Pearland, Texas 77584 (832)553-0160. Please visit www.ForestParkSouthFuneralHome.com to leave a message of condolence for the family.

Rafael Fernandez Chávez, de 76 años, de Houston, TX, falleció pacíficamente el 26 de mayo de 2022. Le sobrevive su amorosa esposa de 53 años, Estella H. Chávez, sus hijos María Del Pilar (Matthew) Tatum y Rafael H. Chávez, y sus nietos Caleb Tatum y Madison Tatum. Nacido en Matamoros, México, era el menor de seis hermanos. Durante su juventud practicó deportes y fue corredor pre-olímpico. Rafael asistió a una boda un fin de semana en la que conoció al amor de su vida, Estella H. Chávez, con quien se casó el 12 de octubre de 1968. Dirigió un negocio exitoso en el norte de Houston hasta su jubilación en 2003. A Rafael le apasionaba la pesca, la caza y el sóftbol y el voleibol. Le encantaba ver a su equipo de béisbol favorito, los Astros de Houston, y a su equipo de fútbol favorito, América. Sin embargo, lo que más le gustaba hacer era pasar tiempo con su familia. Sus nietos lo eran todo para él. Tuvo una relación hermosa con su nieto, Caleb, quien tiene autismo. Nunca se necesitaron palabras entre ellos. Se entendían y tenían un vínculo intocable. Le anteceden sus padres José Evaristo Chávez y Leandra Fernández Longoria, y su amoroso hermano Juan Chávez, quien falleció en 2021. Rafael tenía una personalidad muy carismática y trajo alegría a todos a través de su amor y su humor. Era un hombre maravilloso, quien fue amado, a quien se extraña y siempre será apreciado por todos los que tuvieron la fortuna de conocerlo.

La familia recibirá a los amigos de Rafael Fernández Chávez de las 17:00 a las 20:00 hrs el martes 31 de mayo de 2022, en la Forst Park South Funeral Home. Se llevará a cabo un servicio de rosario a las 18:00 horas el martes 31 de mayo de 2022 en la funeraria. El servicio funerario se llevará a cabo a las 11:00 a.m. del miércoles 1 de junio de 2022 en Forest Park South Funeral Home.

La familia de Rafael Fernández Chávez cuenta con la asistencia de Forest Park South Funeral Home 12650 Shadow Creek Parkway, Pearland, Texas 77584 (832)553-0160. Visite www.ForestParkSouthFuneralHome.com para dejar sus condolencias a la familia.