MARQUEZ, Russell Chavez

Arizona Daily Sun, Flagstaff, Arizona, Friday, February 14, 2014 Russell Chavez Marquez, 90, died Feb. 11, 2014, in Prescott. Visitation will be today from 6 to 7 p.m., at Greer’s Mortuary Chapel in Winslow. Rosary will be recited Saturday at 9:30 a.m., followed by mass at 10 a.m., at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Winslow. Greer’s Mortuary of Winslow is handling the arrangements. ~~~~~ Greer’s Mortuary of Winslow, Winslow, Arizona Russell Marquez July 31, 1923 - February 11, 2014 Russell Chavez Marquez passed away peacefully on February 11, 2014 at the VA Hospital, Prescott, Arizona surrounded by his family. Russell was born July 31, 1923 to Juan and Felice Marquez in Mc Nary, Arizona. He was raised by his grandmother Vitalia Chavez in Holbrook, Arizona. He graduated from Ash Fork High School in 1941. After the outbreak of World War II, he followed his older brothers, Clemente and Julian, and joined the Army in 1942. After military service, he attended Arizona State Teachers College at Flagstaff, Arizona, now known as NAV. In 1949, while playing baseball in Williams, Arizona he met the love of his life Carmen Gamboa. He would marry her in 1950 and remain married to her until his, death, 63 'is years later. He and Carmen moved to southern California in 1951 where he was employed by Lockheed Aircraft as a truck driver and where they would have two of three children Mark, and Steve. They returned to Arizona where the "apple of his eye", his only daughter, Linda was born in Winslow in 1964. They would reside there the remainder of his life. He and Carmen operated the Casa Blanca Café from 1964 until 1967, when they bought the Acapulco Café which they operated until 1974. Russell spent several years as Asst. athletic Director at the Winslow Job Corp Center, where he also coached those residents in baseball, football and basketball. He was also employed by the Santa Fe Railroad as a bridge painter for a short time. Russell truly loved baseball and was a die-hard Diamondback fan, rarely missing a game whether it was at the park or on TV. He played, coached and mentored the game for over 70 years. Russ, as he was known to most, played all over northern Arizona and for ten years in southern California in his younger years. During the late 60's and into the 70's he served as President of the Northern Arizona Baseball League. He was also an avid runner and loved to participate in the Senior Olympics held in Phoenix where he won numerous medals well into his 70's. He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, the American Legion, and the Knights of Columbus for over 50 years. He was a proud member of the Democratic Party and served in many volunteer positions over the years. He is survived by his wife of 63 years Carmen Marquez, 3 children Mark, (Dee), Steve, (Ana), Linda (Steve) Pyles, ten grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Juan and Felice, siblings, Clemente, Regina, Julian, Virginia and great-grandson Joshua. Services for Russell C. Marquez: Viewing will be at Greer Mortuary Friday, Feb. 14th from 6pm til 7pm. Rosary at St. Joseph Catholic Church Sat. Feb. 15, 2014 at 9:30am, Mass 10:00am In lieu of flowers, the family requests you make donation to Disabled American Veterans at www.DAV.org or P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301 Visitation at Greer's Mortuary Chapel, Friday, Feb. 14, 2014 from 6:00 to 7:00 PM. Holy Rosary on Saturday, Feb. 15, 2014 at 9:30 AM Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 AM at St. Joseph's Catholic Church. Interment at Desert View Cemetery.