Paul Anthony Chavez, 78, of Albuquerque, New Mexico, passed away peacefully on August 21, 2026.

Paul was born on December 27, 1947, in Red Hills, New Mexico, to Justo and Anita Chavez. He grew up in Red Hills with a love for ranch life. He worked on the Larranaga and DePue ranches and developed a lifelong passion for horses. He especially loved school and enjoyed learning, with a particular interest in math and reading. Paul attended Boys State in Roswell, New Mexico, which he truly enjoyed and remembered fondly.

In 1968, Paul met the love of his life, Jean B. Chavez. Soon afterward, Paul was drafted and served in South Korea. Paul was placed on special orders, where he served as a driver, typist and had the responsibility of driving the Lieutenant. He was honorably discharged from the United States Army as a Specialist Five (SP5).

After returning home, Paul moved his family to Albuquerque. He earned his GB-98 contractor's license and owned and operated his own construction company. Paul loved his family more than anything. He was the main provider so that his wife could stay home and raise their children. He took his sons, Chris and Curtis, with him to work at an early age and taught them the trade at "Paul Chavez Construction School 101." Paul was a skilled craftsman who built beautiful custom homes that became places where families created memories and could call home. He was proud of the homes he built and the work he accomplished throughout his career.

After his wife's passing, Paul's friend and longtime employee, Fred Johnson, continued working alongside him. They worked together on many small projects and shared a friendship that lasted for many years. Fred was not only a trusted employee, but a dear friend to Paul.

Paul was also a man of great faith and service. He was a Royal Ranger Leader at Valley Gospel Tabernacle and a Small Group Leader at Family Worship Center.

Paul was a loving and devoted grandfather who cherished every moment with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He loved watching them grow and was proud of each one of them. He shared a special bond with his great-grandchildren, who loved their grandpa dearly.

During his last years, as he lived with Alzheimer's, Paul was surrounded by people who cared for him deeply. We are especially grateful to Jackie Chavez, Cienna Chavez, Casandra Gutierrez, Ashton Chavez, and Jennifer Marcano for the love, care, and support they gave him.

A special heartfelt thank you to Ronny and Jeanette Lovato for giving Paul a loving home, alongside his companion and best friend, his dog, Mac.

Paul was one of a kind. He leaves behind a legacy of love, hard work, faith, family, generosity, and kindness. He was a man who loved deeply, and had a wonderful sense of humor, he carried a smile that could brighten any room. His memory will live on through the family he loved, the homes he built, the friendships he made, and the many lives he touched.

Paul was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. That is the man we will always remember and love.

Paul is survived by his children, Jackie Chavez and her partner, Paul Anthony Chavez; Chris and his wife, Carla Chavez; Curtis and his wife, Zenaida Chavez; and Jeanette and her husband, Ronny Lovato; his grandchildren, Jesse Gutierrez; Casandra Gutierrez; Curtis Ray Silva and his wife, Reanna; Cienna Chavez and her partner, Jesus; Arellana Chavez; Ronny Lovato; Jaylenne Lovato and her fiancé, Bryan; Ashton Chavez and her fiancé, Chris; Isabella Chavez; Brianna Koening and her husband, Bryan; and Gabriel Torres and his partner, Yareli; his 15 great-grandchildren; his surviving siblings, Ernesto and his wife Maggie Archibeque; Justo Chavez and his wife, Catherine; Phillip Chavez; Dale Chavez and his wife, Nancy; Ruby Sanchez and her husband, Arthur; and Kenny Sanchez; and his many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Jean B. Chavez; his parents, Justo and Anita Chavez; his brothers, Leo Chavez and Edwin Chavez; and his sister, Jesusita Chavez.

He will be deeply missed, forever loved, and lovingly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.