Gilbert Chavira

Gilbert Chavira passed away in El Paso, TX on September 17, 2013. He was born on October 5, 1970, in El Paso, TX to Roberto Chavira and Yolanda Chavira. Gilbert attended Socorro High School and excelled in academics and ROTC with a love of science and medicine at an early age. At the age of 17, Gilbert made the decision and sacrifice to devote his talents and heroism to the U.S. military. Gilbert proudly served his country as a U.S. Naval Corpsman with the 1st Marine Division from 1989-1993. He mended the wounded and saved the lives of his fellow soldiers in combat while deployed in direct support of Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm from October 1990-March 1991 in Saudi Arabia. Gilbert bravely protected and served the wounded, civilian and soldier, in the course of humanitarian efforts, during Operation Restore Hope in Somalia, Battle of Mogadishu from December 1992-March 1993. Gilbert was a highly decorated combat soldier, marksman and field medic. He was known as “doc Chavira” to his Marine comrades. He also served in the U.S. Army from 1994-1998. Gilbert took great pride in representing and defending his country by dedicating his service to three military branches: Navy, Army and Marines. Gilbert’s laughter, wit, humor and kindness resonated for all who knew him. As a son, brother, husband, father, and friend, he touched our lives and blessed our hearts. To know him was to love him. Gilbert is survived by his parents Roberto and Yolanda Chavira; brother Humberto Chavira; sisters Veronica Franco and Melissa Chavira-De La Vega; wife Irene Rodriguez, son Gilbert Chavira, Jr., sister in-law Teri Moreno, brother in law Gerardo De La Vega and four nieces: Clarissa, Marissa, Elissa and Anissa. A Visitation will be held from 4:00-9:00 p.m., Tuesday, September 24, 2013 with a Vigil at 7:00 p.m. at Sunset Funeral Home-Americas, 9521 North Loop Dr. A Mass of the Resurrection will be said at 11:15 a.m., Wednesday, September 25, 2013 at San Felipe de Jesus Catholic Church located at 401 Passmore, Socorro, TX. Interment to follow at 1:00 p.m. at Fort Bliss National Cemetery with Military Honors. Services entrusted to Sunset Funeral Home-Americas. Please visit our online guestbook at www.sunsetfuneral homes.net