Joseph Florencio Chavez

In remembrance of Joe F. Chavez, beloved and respected by family and friends alike, who passed away peacefully at home on May 24, 2024. 

Born in Ordway, Colorado on November 21, 1923, he rose from humble beginnings to mayor of Thornton where he and his wife had settled and raised their family. He traveled many paths from his childhood on the family farm to the army where he served during World War II, earning a purple heart on his journey from Omaha beach to Germany. Upon his return, he married, moved with his new wife from Rocky Ford to Denver where he graduated from Denver University, worked his way to a prominent position with the City of Denver, and collaborated in the writing of the charter of the town of Thornton where he started as a councilman and later served as mayor. 

During his long and fruitful life, he and his wife, Maxine, raised four children, and found time to work with the Boy Scouts with an emphasis on camping and fishing. He also served in various charitable organizations such as the Kiwanis Club and the Knights of Columbus. 

Once he retired, he enjoyed traveling the world with his wife and, dressed in his familiar coveralls and straw hat, doing yard work and caring for his vegetable garden, which he was able to do until his early nineties. 

He is survived by his four children Joe, Charles, Michele, and Jeanine, four grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. 

He will be sorely missed by everyone who knew him but will remain in our hearts and prayers always. 

A service will be held in his remembrance at Good Shepherd Catholic Church, 2626 E 7th Ave Pkwy, Denver, CO 80206, on June 19, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. with a funeral reception afterwards in the basement of the church.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a memorial donation in Joe's name to a charity of your choice.