George Chavez, Sr., Navajo Code Talker

George Chavez, Sr

Birth: Apr. 2, 1925 Death: Apr. 18, 2010

George Chavez Sr., 85, of Farmington, died peacefully Sunday, April 18, 2010, in Farmington, surrounded by his loving wife and children. George was born Jan. 2, 1925, in Nageezi. George lived most of his life in Farmington. He is Náneesht'ézhí Táchii'nii (Charcoal-Streaked Division of Táchii'nii) and born for Tl'aashchí'í (Red Cheek People). George served during World War II as a U.S. Marine Corps Navajo Code Talker. He served in the 4th Division, 25th Regiment from May 1943 to March 1945. As a radio telephone operator, he participated in operations against enemy forces in Kwajalein, Saipan, Tinian and Iwo Jima. After returning from the war, George worked many jobs, including the Union Pacific Railroad, El Paso Natural Gas Company and The Gas Company of New Mexico. George retired from The Gas Company of New Mexico after 33 years of service. George was preceded in death by his son, Irvin "Merv" Chavez; his parents, Martin and Eva Chavez; sister, Laura Vigil; and brothers, Neil and Herbert Chavez. George is survived by his wife of 63 years, Ernestine; children, Janet (Charles) Harris, Loretta, Melvin, Julia (Lance Raddatz), Winona (Harry), Alvin (Ruby), George Jr. (Agnes), and Lisa (David Sandoval); stepchildren, Nancy (Jimmy Norbert Sr.) Chavez and Vern (Maxine) George. He had 34 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren. Services will be at 11 a.m. today, Thursday, April 22, at the Farmington Civic Center, 200 W. Arrington St., in Farmington. The funeral procession will be led by a motorcycle escort to the Veterans Memorial at Memory Gardens, 6917 E. Main St., in Farmington. Following the interment, there will be a reception at the Light of Life Mennonite Church, 780 Boyle St. (Harper Hill), in Farmington. Pallbearers are George's grandsons, Tyson, Terrance, Craig, Micah, Mathias, Adrian Thomas, Garrett, Kyle and Hosteen Nez Sandoval. Those who wish to send condolences may do so at www.danielsfuneral.com. Arrangements are with Brewer, Lee & Larkin Funeral Home, 103 E. Ute St., in Farmington; (505) 325-8688. Published in Farmington Daily Times from April 21 to April 22, 2010

Burial: Memory Gardens Farmington San Juan County New Mexico, USA

Created by: Kenneth D. Bogard Record added: Apr 21, 2010 Find A Grave Memorial# 51418548

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