Salvador Benavidez

The Man, The Myth, The Legend

Salvador Benavidez was born on April 8, 1947 in Tinaja, NM, to Clara Benavidez, but was adopted as a toddler by Roman and Martina Chavez, when his mother unexpectedly died. He grew up on the Loma, in Grants New Mexico, and was loved by the entire Chavez family. After high school, instead of waiting to be drafted, he joined the U.S. Marine Corp in 1967. He said, “It was the right thing to do.”

Marine Sergeant Salvador Joseph Benavidez, 74, died peacefully in his sleep, in his Paraje, New Mexico home on February 25, 2022. A veteran of the Vietnam War, he served as crew chief for the OV-10 Bronco, twin-turboprop light attack and observation aircraft, Marine Observation Squadron 2 (VMO-2), United States Marine Corps which he was discharged with full honors in 1970. He later served in the New Mexico Army National Guard as a Sergeant, then transferred to the Air National Guard as a Staff Sergeant where he would eventually retire. After the war, Salvador Benavidez worked as a miner at Anaconda, until he was hired as a Deputy Sheriff. Salvador Benavidez would

After the war, Salvador Benavidez worked as a miner at Anaconda, until he was hired as a Deputy Sheriff. Salvador Benavidez would eventually become Sheriff of Cibola County. During that time, Salvador would coach youth baseball, and basketball. He mentored hundreds of youth and supported the Cibola County Campouts in the early 80’s by providing supplies, and military tents with his National Guard connections. Furthermore, Salvador was a member of the Grants Knights of Columbus. Salvador Benavidez is survived by his wife, Arlene, three children: Salvador Benavidez, Jr., Juan “Johnny” Benavidez, and his wife Julia, and Anna Casaus and her husband Louie. He is also survived by his brothers: Bonifacio and wife Viola, Billy Joe and wife Rita, Frank and companion Ramona, Sisters Maggie, and husband Adam, and Sophie, and husband Monico He also leaves behind three grandchildren, John Benavidez, Lauren Benavidez, and Catalina Casaus. Furthermore, he leaves behind three great grandchildren, Luke Benavidez, Dominc Onsae, and Carlo Onsae. He is preceded in death by his parents Roman Chavez, and Martina Chavez, his brother Raymond Chavez, son Salvador Benavidez, and friend and supervisor in Vietnam Randall L. Pell--Date of casualty 8 April 1970. The rosary/mass will take place at San Rafael Church on March 4, 2022 at 0930 with the burial immediately following. Funeral arrangements are

The rosary/mass will take place at San Rafael Church on March 4, 2022 at 0930 with the burial immediately following. Funeral arrangements are provided by Compassion Mortuary. Pallbearers will be: John Benavidez, Frank Chavez, Louie Casaus, Timo Torrez, Rick Scanlon, Marvin Onsae, Troy Jaramillo, and Leonardo “Junior” Torrez.

Honorary pallbearers will be: Bonefacio Chavez, Billy Joe Chavez, Frank Chavez, Andrew Torrez, Rick Torrez, Daniel Torrez, Fedencio Torrez, Chris, Torrez, Leo Torrez, Ivan Chavez, Kevin Chavez, Clifford Chavez, Nick Onsae, Felix Garcia, Ben Chavez, Ryan Rigdon, Laurence Chavez, Wilfred Blea, and anybody that was coached, or mentored by Salvador Benavidez (anyone that chased cows before or after a baseball game).