ALAMOSA — Leroy, A native of the San Luis Valley, passed away quietly on Thursday, March 11, 2021, at the age of 86. He was born on July 15, 1935, to Abel and Maria (Taylor) Chavez in Los Fuertes, Colo.

Leroy graduated from Alamosa High School in 1954. He was a Navy veteran; served until retirement from the police department and made his life raising his family with Joan (Cason) Chavez in Jacksonville, Florida. She preceded him in death. Also preceding him were his parents Abel and Maria, his sisters Louise Dunn, Betty Martinez and Christine Candelario and his brothers Delbert and Richard Chavez.

Survivors include his two daughters Marisa (T.C.) Edwards from Fernandina Beach, Fla. and Lisa (Robb) Langely from Powhatten Way, Va., five grandchildren Sara (Matt) Erway, Blake (Jennifer) Ware, the Langely’s Marina, Carley and Carter and six great-grandchildren, the Erways Zander, Paisley, Sadie and Merida and the Wares Hailey and Wyatt also his siblings Esther Wilson, Gulf Breeze, Fla., Arnold (Carmen) Chavez, Union City, Calif., Patricia Chavez, Alamosa, Colo.; and Vera (Richard) Duran, Pueblo West, Colo.

Leroy came from a large family, so to many, he was an uncle, great-uncle and great-great-uncle and to numerous cousins, he was a friend. Especially Joe and Bobby Taylor from Antonito, Colo.

He loved to visit with his siblings in California, Wyoming, Colorado and New Mexico and many major cities throughout each state. He loved fishing with his buddies, his father, Abel and nephew David Martinez. Also, tinkering on old vehicles was a useful pastime, and at family reunions where his role was ‘Chief Barbecuer.”

Leroy traveled with his grandkids, mostly with Blake and recently with the Langelys to see where he was born and raised.

Also, to Colorado Springs when his oldest grandchild re-located there. She brought her babies with her, and Leroy could not be without any of his great-grandbabies for too long. They rejuvenated him.

The immense joy and deep love they all bestowed on each other was a testimony he loved his family so very much.

Hardage-Giddens, Riverside Memorial Park and Funeral Home were in care of the arrangements at 10 a.m. Monday, March 22, 2021, with an 11 a.m. graveside service.

Hardage-Giddens is located on 7242 Normandy Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL.