Frank J. Chavez

Frank J. Chavez 94, passed away peacefully in his sleep February 16th, 2021 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. He was born December 3, 1927 in Ciudad Victoria, Tamaulipas Mexico. At the very young age of 5, Frank was not afraid of work, and thus began his strong and lifelong work ethic. Whether it was tending the ranch animals, shining shoes, or even making moonshine, Frank was always ready, willing and able. In his early teens he attended military school and with loving guidance from his “Tia Juanita”, went to trade school where he learned his craft of furniture making and upholstery. Not afraid of hard work he would sell the furniture he made door to door. Yet this wasn’t enough so by the time he was in his early 20’s he had his own upholstery business, 2 employees, 2 cars, and as he so proudly would point out, custom made suits. He met the love of his life, Josephine Fortuna and married in 1950. But before he could marry, her father said his precious jewel wouldn’t be married wearing just any gown, or for that matter any ring. No matter what his demands were, Frank accomplished them, against all odds. Mr. Chavez loved music and could play the guitar, accordion, fiddle, and even the clarinet. He played the guitar for his wife every morning during his prayer time and reading the bible. It was his love for music which had him listening to radio broadcasts from the United States. This inspired him to emigrate from Mexico to start a new life, own his own business, and pursue the American dream. Frank came to the United States with very little or no money. He soon brought his wife, two children, Frank Jr. and Victor who were both born in Mexico. In San Antonio, Texas, Maximillion and Maria were born. Finally after arriving and settling in Oklahoma City, Jimmy and Ruddy came along, His daughter Nora, was also from Mexico. In late 1955, Governor Raymond D. Gary sent word to Claude Riggs Upholstery in Tulsa asking for his two best upholsterers to do work in the governor’s mansion for his wife. Because of his master craftsmanship, Frank’s vision of the “American Dream” came true when he bought, built, and opened Artistic Upholstery which later became A-Best Upholstery in the short span of only two years in 1957. This November he celebrated 64 years of being in business at the same exact location. Again he proved there wasn’t anything he couldn’t accomplish when he set his mind to it. Mr. Chavez was a very longing and giving person who always did his best to support his family, relatives in Mexico, including his mother, and his employees. His great dedication to hard work and great kindness was known to anyone who crossed paths with him. Frank loved to travel. Many vacations with Josephine took them to Europe, the Caribbean, Mexico, and many places in between. Even after his wife’s passing he would spend months at a time vacationing in Brazil, Argentina and many time, Cuba. No matter what was on his bucket list, he accomplished it. Dancing. Mr. Chavez was a dancing machine. Dancing with his wife Josephine was his true love and continued for many years. It was his passion. Frank would dance with anyone, anytime, or anywhere. But still his favorite dance partner was his one true love, his wife Josephine. If you ever saw him dance he would amaze you and put a smile on your face. Mr. Frank J. Chavez will be remembered for a lot of things by so many, but his love for family, life, and the way he was always so sharply dressed will be his legacy! His last and greatest accomplishment, through Jesus Christ his Savior, is reuniting with the love of his life, Josephine, in heaven where they are dancing together forever. He was preceded in death by his mother and father, wife Josephine Chavez, and great grandson Zachary Taylor Chavez. His survivors include Frank X. Chavez Jr. and wife Carmen Chavez; grandsons Frank J. Chavez lll and Roman Gabriel Chavez. Victor and Mary Chavez; grandchildren Lisa, Kathy, and Victor Chavez Jr. Maximillion Chavez; grandchildren Maximillion Chavez Jr. and Maricela. Maria Chavez, Jimmy and Tonya Chavez; grandsons Jimmy Chavez Jr. and Christopher Chavez. Loving son, Ruddy J. Chavez. Nora Chavez and husband Jaime; grandchildren David Rafael; and numerous great grandchildren and friends he considered family.
Frank Chavez’s life story can be heard on Archive.storycorps.org

https://www.oneroomstreaming.com/view/authorise.php?k=1614634623103388

---