Ralph Chavez, 79, of Wharton, Texas, passed away peacefully at Indian Oaks Living Center in Harker Heights, Texas on Saturday, December 30, 2023. He was born on September 11, 1944, in New Gulf, Texas, to Placido Chavez and Higinia Alvarado Chavez.

Ralph was raised in New Gulf, Texas, with 13 siblings. He appreciated the simple things in life. He loved to fish, hunt & being outdoors. He found fishing a way to be at peace with the world and oneself. Ralph was a man who enjoyed family and taking a hands-on approach to life.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Placido and Higinia Chavez; sisters, Isabel Salazar, Leocardo Peña, Elida Chavez, Maria Garcia, and Lucy Garcia; brothers, Jacinto Chavez, Alfonso Chavez, Placido Chavez Jr., Richard Chavez & Rudy Chavez. He is survived by his daughters, Monica Chavez, Mia Haigler and husband John of Nolanville, Texas; grandchildren, Braquan LaShay Justus of Omaha, Nebraska, JonNeal Anthony Justus of Nolanville; great grandchild, Amara Michelle Justus of Temple; brother, Roy Chavez and wife Janie of Wharton; sisters, Ester Chavez of Boling, Beatrice Gomez and husband Sammy of Boling, and many beautiful nieces and nephews.

The family will receive relatives and friends for visitation at 9:00AM Saturday, January 6, 2024, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Bay City, Texas. The Rosary will be recited at 9:30AM, and The Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10:00AM with Father Gabriel Espinosa officiating. Interment will immediately follow at Cedarvale Cemetery in Bay City. Pallbearers for Mr. Chavez will be JonNeal Justus, Samuel Gomez Jr., Samuel Gomez III, Jacob Quintanilla, Seth Quintanilla, and Brandon Barron.