Juan Rafael Chavez

Surrounded by his family, Juan Rafael Chavez passed away at his Longmont home on Wednesday, November 26, 2008. He was 84 years old.Juan was born May 4, 1924, in Colmor, New Mexico to Juan de Dios and Bernardita (Vigil) Chavez. During WWII, Mr. Chavez served in the United States Army in the 82nd Airborne. Fighting in the European Theatre, he parachuted into France during the D-Day invasion, fought at the Battle of the Bulge, and was a prisoner escort at Nuremberg. He earned the rank of Second Lieutenant and was awarded two Purple Hearts, five Bronze Stars, and a Silver Star with the Oak Leaf Cluster. He later served in the Korean War, and was honorably discharged in 1954.On September 9, 1954, Juan married Eumelia Gallegos in Holman, New Mexico. The couple moved to Colorado where he worked and retired from Slack-Horner Foundries as a metallurgist. He enjoyed tinkering in his garage, gaming at Blackhawk, and spending time with his family and dogs.He is survived by his wife, Eumelia Chavez of Longmont; four sons, Gerald, Brian (Becky), Rick, and Jessie Chavez; two daughters, Karla (Blas) Romero, and Muriel Barron-Chavez; a sister, Rebecca Medina; and numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, and extended family members.He was preceded in death by his parents; and a son, Arnulfo ""Sockie"" Chavez.Visitation will be held at Howe Mortuary, Longmont, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, November 29, 2008. Further visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. at the Mortuary on Sunday, November 30 with a Rosary Service to follow at 7 p.m. A funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, December 1, 2008, at Howe Mortuary. Interment with military honors will follow at Foothills Gardens of Memory.Memorials may be made to the Juan Chavez Memorial Fund, c/o Howe Mortuary, 439 Coffman St., Longmont, CO 80501.Please share thoughts, memories and condolences with the family at www.howemortuary.com.