Mario V. "Chico" Chavez Sr., age 74 a longtime Hobart resident passed away Wednesday, April 29, 2015. He was born on July 19, 1940 to the late Jesus and Maria Chavez in Brownseville, Texas. He was a member of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church. Mario retired from SCA Tissue (AKA-Georgia Pacific) where he had worked as a Machine Operator. He served his country in the U.S. Air Force and was a member of American Legion Post 454 of New Chicago. Mario enjoyed fishing, reading Dean Koontz books, listening to BB King music, and attending wrestling and UFC events. He loved spending time with friends, and family especially his grandchildren.

He is survived by his companion, Peggy Dupin of Hobart, IN; six children, Dolly (Raymond) Kelley of Hobart, IN; Drohinda White of Hobart, IN; Kathy Chavez of Hobart, IN; Lisa Chavez of Greenville, SC; Mario (Molly) Chavez Jr. of Crete, IL; Jaquita Chavez of Greenville, SC; 2 brothers, 5 sisters, several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the family to help with funeral expenses would be appreciated.

Visitation is Monday, May 4, 2015 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. with a 6 p.m. American Legion Service at Rees Funeral Home, 600 West Old Ridge Road, Hobart.