Raul’s Obituary Raul E. Chavera, Sr., born July 14, 1929 in Marion, Texas passed away on May 12, 2019. Raul was preceded in death by his loving wife, Ofiila T. Chavera, brothers: Albert, Daniel, Jr., Santiago, sisters: Ramona Ybarra and Rosa Martinez. Surviving family include his sister, Adelfa Salazar, three sons and two daughters, Ofilia Chavera, Sandi Mortellra; sons, Raul, Jr., Rene and Chris Jay (JJ) and seven grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.
Born in a farming community in Marion, Texas to Daniel and Felipa Chavera, Raul quickly chose the military to pursue personal advancement. A consummate patriot, Raul, as an underage “kid soldier”, joined the Army at age 15 and was quickly dispatched to Germany, where among his duties, he guarded the notorious Nazi Rudolph Hess. He was later awarded several of the military’s World War II campaign medals.
Finding the military a perfect fit, Raul later changed military directions and joined the U.S. Air Force where he served domestically in Kansas, New Mexico, Washington state and retired in San Antonio, Texas as a training instructor. Overseas, he was assigned to the Azores, Portugal, Bordeaux, France and Germany. Raul was particularly proud of having been awarded the Air Force’s prestigious Missile Man award for support to the Air Force’s premier missile training grounds at White Sands Testing Facility near Holloman Air Force Base.
Toward’s retirement, Raul was honored as “Instructor of the Quarter” at Lackland Air Force Base. Following his military retirement, his sharp wit and entrepreneurial spirit landed him jobs as a U.S. Postman, State Meat Inspector, and manager of Jimenez Foods Corporation. Raul’s business successes included co-owning with his wife, Ofilia, a meat market, a dance hall, and the highly successful and popular Tex Mex restaurant, El Tapatio De Jalisco.
Early in his life, he proudly fulfilled service as a juror on the County Grand Jury. As a military advocate, he was past president of the VFW and a member of the local American Legion post. Among his greatest memories and proud life moments was travelling to Washington D.C. to share in the commemoration of the World War II memorial.
That day Raul proudly served with his war compatriots as a representative volunteer. Raul always considered that his greatest accomplishment and love was his son, Chris (JJ) Chavera. He provided a lifetime of exemplary and loving support to his cherished special needs son, Jay Jay (Chris) Chavera ensuring that JJ enjoyed everything that life had to offer.
Together they enjoyed sports, extensive travel, cooking and camping. An education advocate, Raul took particular pride telling friends, “my life goal is for all my kids to finish high school”. Today, they include former executives, managers and a former diplomat”.
The family extends special thanks to Amelia Garza, Dora Marquez, Ricky and Enedina Garcia, Mr. Duggins, Richard Salazar, and his many friends VFW Post 9174 VFW, and American Legion 579 and to the many caring providers from Helping our Seniors. Visitation will be held at Castle Ridge Mortuary on Sunday, May 19, 2019 from 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. with a rosary to be recited at 7:00 p.m. A procession will depart Castle Ridge Mortuary on Monday, May 20, 2019 at 12:15 p.m. for a funeral mass at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church at 1:00 p.m. Interment will follow at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery.
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