Matilde Chavez Vega

No nation was ever so rich as to have had the Greatest Generation that united this Country.

Today, July 24, 2026, we lost a part of that generation. Matilde Chavez Vega, 99 years old, was a proud member of the Greatest Generation whose life reflected faith, family, service, and devotion to his Country.

Matilde Chavez Vega was born March 28, 1927, in Deming, New Mexico, to Soledad Chavez Vega and Julian Gonzales Vega. He was the youngest of nine siblings.

At the age of 17, Matilde Vega proudly served in the United States Navy during World War II aboard the USS Sanders Destroyer Escort, which was awarded four battle stars. Matilde received several ribbons and medals depicting his meritorious service. He later served in the United States National Guard and became a Sergeant in the United States Army during the Korean War. Mr. Vega’s military service was one of sacrifice and honor, and he remained a proud and patriotic American throughout his life.

After his military career, Mr. Vega continued serving his community through 25+ years of dedicated civil service with the City of El Paso. His immeasurable craft was in automotive mechanics, but his love of the arts was self-evident in his artistic and musical abilities.

He was also a dedicated member and contributor of Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church, where his inspirational devotion to his faith was an important part of his life.

Mr. Vega was married to Rebecca Holguin Vega, with whom he built a life centered on family, dignity, and quiet devotion.

Mr. Matilde C. Vega was proud yet private in nature and known as a religious, dignified family man. Known simply as “Mr. Vega,” he will be dearly missed by many.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Rebecca Holguin Vega; his parents, Soledad Chavez Vega and Julian Gonzales Vega; his brothers, Vicente Vega, Julián Vega, Valentine Vega, and Pomposo Vega; and his sisters, Soledad Vega, Manuela (Lita) Vega Reade, Leonor Vega Valverde, and Hilaria (Lala) Vega Chavez.

Mr. Vega is survived by his daughters, Olivia (Robin) Bourdeau, Margaret (Robert) Binkley, and Delia (Steve) Preziosi; his grandson, Robert (Gina) Bourdeau, and leaves behind many beloved nieces, nephews, and friends.

Pallbearers; Robert Binkley, Robin Bourdeau, Robert Bourdeau, Steve Preziosi, Eddie Wearden, Adan Ruiz

Honorary Pallbearers are Cristian Lugo and Tyler Cooper.