John Lawrence Chavez, 66, Born December 9, 1955 passed away after a short illness on August 20, 2022. He is survived by his wife Rhonda; son Michael and wife Erin of Phoenix Az; mother Marta Driggers of Albuquerque, NM; siblings Patricia Strabley of Albuquerque, NM, Marlene and husband Michael Nichols of Kile, TX, Loretta and George Gonzales of Albuquerque, NM, Manuel and wife Yolanda of Albuquerque, NM, Ronald and wife Miae of Albuquerque, NM, Catherine Chavez of Albuquerque, NM, Dorothy Chavez of Albuquerque, NM; many family members, countless friends and colleagues will morn his passing. He was fiercely devoted to his childhood friend Anthony Martinez, and his golf brother Tono Castillo.

He is preceded in death by his Father, Manuel J. Chavez; Brothers Donald, Michael and wife Nellie.

Lawrence was a graduate of Rio Grande High School where he was a drummer in the marching band, Cross Country runner and State contender in wrestling.

Lawrence was a proud Veteran of the US Navy. A carrier sailor, Aviation Storekeeper first class, who served aboard USS Lexington and USS Hancock where he participated in Operation Frequent Wind the evacuation of Saigon at the conclusion of the Vietnam conflict. Aboard USS Kitty Hawk, He deployed on two West Pacific cruises on Gonzo station in the Persian Gulf just off the coast of Iran.

Lawrence loved fishing, playing, coaching, refereeing, umpiring, watching all sports. Tournament and league organizer of his later year's passion of golf. He was a diehard Rio Grande Raven, NM Lobo, LA Dodgers and Dallas Cowboys fan.

He was a lifetime member of the American Legion Post 13. His passion was the care of veterans. He spent many hours at the VA hospital tending to vets needs by delivering toiletries, fund raising for veteran causes with his annual Bataan Death March golf tournament, and grave site services. Thru the American Legion he mentored High School R.O.T.C. members, as well as Boys and Auxiliary Girls State programs.

A Rosary will be recited on Friday,  August 26, 2022 at 8:00 a.m. followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 9:00 a.m. at Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church on 9502 4th St NW, Albuquerque, NM 87114.

Reception to be held at the American Legion Post 13, 10:30 am – 12:30 pm. Graveside burial with military honors will be held at 1:00 p.m. at Mt. Calvary Cemetery located on 1900 Edith Blvd NE.

Pallbearers will be Ronald Chavez Jr., Daniel Chavez, Ens. Angelina Chavez USN, Lt. Zachary Nichols AFD, Anthony Martinez, Jairus Wood. Honorary Pallbearers will be David Armijo, Sydney Vickers and Gabriel Luciani.