Juan "John" Vasquez Chavez

Juan “John” Vasquez Chavez, 88, of Topeka, died Thursday, July 14, 2022, at Stormont Vail Health in Topeka. Mr. Chavez was born May 7, 1934, in Topeka, to Jose and Eulalia Vasquez Chavez. John entered the service at age 17 and served in the United States Navy from 1951 to 1953. Also, while serving, he was a Golden Glove Boxer. He went on to work for 34 years as a machinist helper for Santa Fe Railroad, retiring in 1996. As a child John liked to swim and go to the movies, as he got older, he enjoyed bowling, dancing, listening to Mexican music, having a vegetable garden, and watching westerns, old movies, and cartoons. He also enjoyed the University of Kansas athletics, the Kansas City Chiefs, as well as going to the casino. Mr. Chavez was a lifelong member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. He ushered, volunteered for Adoration, and enjoyed working the beer stand at the annual Fiesta Mexicana. On February 12, 1965, John married Anna M. Lopez, married at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Topeka. They celebrated 57 years together. She survives of the home. Other survivors include his children, Edward J. Chavez of Topeka, Robert J. Chavez and Kelli McEnroe of Topeka, John D. Chavez of Topeka, Juliana M. Chavez-Munoz, and husband Phil of Topeka; a brother, Antonio Chavez of Topeka; grandchildren, Daniel V. Chavez and Analisa Chavez-Munoz both of Topeka; and many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins. John was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Grace Ortega, and Dolores Adame; brothers, Jose Chavez, Manuel Chavez, and Marcelino Chavez. A rosary will be prayed at 9:30 am Friday, July 22, 2022, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, and Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 am followed by inurnment at Mt. Calvary Cemetery. The family suggests memorial contributions to Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, sent in care of Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Ave. Topeka, KS 66603.