Joe Ramirez Chavez age 66, a fourth generation American, retired resident of Silver City, New Mexico went to the Lord Jesus Christ on May 18, 2018. He was surrounded by his family at the time of passing. Joe lived in Southern California prior to retirement.

Joe served his country proudly as a United States Marine and worked as Metal Fit Engineer in the aerospace industry. Most notably he worked for Rockwell International and worked on the Space Shuttle Main Engine.

Joe is survived by his wife of 40 years Mary Louise and their 4 children Joe Moses and his wife Rayel, Carlos Samson, Yvette and John Edward. His seven grandchildren Joe Matthew, Alexander Joseph, Delena Cranston, Beau Cranston, Valerie May, Tony and Juli. His mother Isabel, and his two brothers Nick and his wife Yvonne and John and his wife Marissa and his 5 sisters Eva and her husband Ernie, Olga and her husband Rick, Isabel, Dolores, Ana and her husband Renee.

Joe's favorite things were baseball, fishing and hunting with his sons. He loved Jesus all his life and the Blessed Mother. His last words were "He was truly sorry if he ever offended anyone".

Visitation will take place on Thursday, May 24, 2018 at five o'clock in the evening at Baca's Funeral Chapels. The Prayer Vigil and Rosary will follow at six o'clock with Deacon Danny Legarda reciting. The Funeral Liturgy will be on Friday, May 25, 2018 at nine-thirty in the morning at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church. Concluding services and burial will follow at eleven o'clock in the morning at Fort Bayard National Cemetery. Officiating will be Father Oliver Obele. Serving as pallbearers are Joe Moses Chavez, Carlos Samson Chavez, John Edward Chavez, Gilbert Rivera, Ernie Reyes and Nick Chavez, Jr. Honorary pallbearers will be Valerie May, Delene Belle, Michael Beau, Joe Matthew, Alexander Joseph, Tony and Juli.