It is an honor the family of Thomas Martinez Chavez invites the Patriot Guard Riders to participate in the loved ones funeral and military honors.
Thomas proudly served in the Navy during WWII from Mar 1944 to Jan 1946. Thomas served in the Pacific Islands aboard the USS Butte attaining the rank of Carpenter's Mate, Second Class.
In Thomas' teenage years he was a lightweight division boxer and fought many times at the Olympic Auditorium. One of his boxing highlights was being on the under card for one of Joe (The Brown Bomber) Lewis' fights.
After Thomas' discharge he continued his carpentry, leaving his footprint in Los Angeles history. Thomas was superintendent during the construction of the Fabulous Forum, Cinerama Dome and many of Los Angeles first high rise buildings.
In retirement Thomas remained very active in the Montebello community in politics and was well respected throughout the community. He was President of the Participant Advisory Committee of the Senor Program, Alta Med Senior Buena Care and in 2010 became the spokesperson and face of the program and television commercials. His face was on their web site, billboards throughout Los Angeles and featured on buses.
Thomas was preceded in death in 2010 by his loving wife of 68 years, Esther, and his only son, Thomas Jr., (Vietnam Veteran) in 1974. Thomas is survived by his brother, Ralph; sister, Flora; daughters, Aurora, Vivian and Linda; 10 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren. Note: Thomas raised one of his granddaughters, Lynnal, from the age of six months.
Note: This notice is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this military veteran. For those interested all are welcome. We will accompany the hero and his family from Risher Mortuary in Montebello to his final resting place. Please see time table if you would like to participate. For those that would rather go directly the cemetery, we will meet you there.
The weather is predicted to be hot please stay hydrated and don't forget to eat, it can made a difference with your ability to withstand the heat.
Time Table for Monday, 7 JUL 14: 1015 - Stage at Risher Mortuary, 1316 Whittier Bl., Montebello, CA 90640
https://goo.gl/maps/IGbL1 1030 - Mission Briefing
1045 - Flag line for dignified transfer to coach
1100 - KSU to Resurrection Catholic Cemetery, 966 N. Potrero Grande Dr. Montebello, CA 91770
https://goo.gl/maps/1OKbl 1130 - Flag line and Full Military Honors for our hero.
R/C Paul (PeaceKeeper) AndersonSo. Cal. Ride Captian
310.717.3656
panderson15680@aol.com
You do not have to be a Veteran or a motorcycle rider to attend this mission. Everyone is welcome. We encourage those who do not ride to attend in your car. If this will be your first mission go to the initial staging area and you will be briefed there by the R/C (Ride Captain). Dress for motorcycle riding or dress casually if you are driving a cage (car). Please feel free to attend any portion of this mission you can. Please ride/drive safely.
Please remember to post your condolences and thanks at this link:
https://www.patriotguard.org/showthread.php?392332
