Dennis William Chavez

Dennis William Chavez went to be with the Lord on March 3, 2024; now at peace following a long battle of declining health issues. Dennis was born on September 7, 1958 in Morenci, Arizona to loving parents Michael Ernest and Mary Elizabeth Chavez.

From his earliest days, Dennis was a curious and adventurous child. He loved watching cowboy movies, riding his bike and swimming in the San Francisco river. As a young man he spent his time at the many nearby deserts, mountains, lakes and rivers. He learned to cast a line at a young age and loved to fish. Dennis enjoyed hanging out at the bowling alley, cruising the plaza, attending MHS Wildcat home games and dances at the Morenci Club.

Following his graduation from Morenci High School in 1976, Dennis joined the United States Navy. A carpenter by trade, he could build just about anything. He built homes, bridges, and even a manger for a very special nativity scene. Dennis called many places home in Arizona, including Clifton, Safford, Globe, Mesa and finally Tucson. In the Navy, he was stationed in Mallorca, Spain, a place he described as full of amazing views, experiences, people and food. Even though he lived in so many incredible places, he would always say his very favorite place to be was “back home” in the Morenci-Clifton area. No matter where he was in the world, he longed to sit under a cottonwood tree on the river bank; or to take a drive up the winding road of the Coronado Trail, through the towering mountains, covered in pine.

Dennis loved his pickup trucks…all of them! He loved cooking and was darn good at it, especially cooking a steak outside on an open fire or a pan of tacos. Dennis loved music, he loved to dance and could sing any song. He always seemed to know all of the words… and perfectly whistle or hum through any he didn’t. Dennis proudly played saxophone in the Morenci High School Band. Dennis had a green thumb and had various gardens throughout his life. He grew beautiful green lawns, hearty bushes, bountiful fruit trees and vegetables including chili peppers which was his favorite.

Dennis was preceded in death by his Father, Michael Ernest Chavez, Aunt, Dianna Chavez and Nephew, Vincent Hernandez. He is survived in this life by his Son Gabriel Chavez, Grandson Gabriel Chavez Jr., Mother, Mary Elizabeth Chavez- Romero, Sister Delia Bejarano (David), Sister Julienne Aquino (David), Uncle David Chavez, Uncle Stan Chavez and Aunt Jeanette Chavez-Nolasco. Nephew Patrick Madrid (Jenise), Michael-Anthony Chavez (Aneeka), Robert Hernandez, Valerie Hernandez, David Aquino Jr,. Manuel Hernandez and many great nephews and nieces.

A memorial service will be announced at a later date.

Although we are sad today and we will miss Dennis here in this life; we believe we will meet him again someday.

“My chains are gone, I have been set free…”

My flesh and my heart may fail, But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.-Psalm 73:26