CHAVEZ, Raymond E.

Arizona Silver Belt, Globe, AZ Wednesday, July 20, 2011 Raymond E. Chavez, age 84 of Superior Ariz. entered into rest at Banner Baywood Hospital on July 13, 2011, surrounded by his loving family. He was born at home in Superior on Sept. 25, 1926, the son of Felix and Ana Maria (Escalante) Chavez. He was the sixth of nine children and the last surviving. In 1952 he married his childhood sweetheart, Yolanda Castro Chavez, and after 52 years of marriage she went home to be with the Lord. They had two children, Roy and Kimberley. Raymond attended Superior schools and was a gifted athlete and especially loved baseball. During his high school years he was drafted by the Brooklyn Dodgers, but due to the events of WWII he was unable to attend the tryouts in Phoenix. While still in high school he was drafted into the Army and served as a member of Company “C” 76th Infantry Battalion in the Pacific. After his honorable discharge, he attended Barber College in Los Angeles and owned his own barber shop in Superior until the mid 70’s. He then went to work for Kennecott Copper Company at the Ray Mine division and retired after 10 years. He was a past member of the Superior VFW and also very involved with the Superior Little League serving as president and head umpire in the mid 60’s. He also played softball for the men’s Superior team. He was an avid fisher and hunter and shared that passion with his family. His retirement years were devoted to caring for his wife until her passing in 2004, as well as caring for his grandchildren and attending any events in which they were involved. He also enjoyed the company of his beloved friend Victoria. He was a devoted husband, father, brother, uncle and friend that would unselfishly help anyone that needed it. He will be missed by many. Raymond leaves behind in loving memory one son, Roy C. Chavez of Superior, Ariz.; one daughter, Kimberley A. (Jesse W.) Byrd of Superior, Ariz.; four grandsons, John E. Lopez of Kearny, Ariz., Luke J. Byrd of Superior, Ariz., Joshua Cruz of San Tan Valley, Ariz. and Jesse Byrd, Jr. of Edmond, Okla.; three granddaughters, Marisa R. Lopez of Superior, Ariz., Andrea Cruz of Toltec, Ariz. and Samantha L. Byrd of Edmond, Okla.; one great-granddaughter, Isabella Stacy Byrd of Edmond, Okla.; his beloved friend, Victoria Alonzo of Superior, Ariz.; and many nephews and nieces. Services were held on Saturday, July 16, 2011at St. Francis of Assisi Church, 11 Church Avenue, in Superior, Ariz. Interment was at Fairview Cemetery, in Superior, Ariz. Funeral arrangements for Raymond E. Chavez were entrusted to Miles Funeral Services Globe.