In Memory of Bernardo “Ben” Chavez Placencio

Bernardo “Ben” Chavez Placencio

So much to so many…

Born November 05, 1936 in Santa Rita, NM.

Entered into Gods care on

November 07, 2025 in Alamogordo, NM.

One of five boys and eight girls born to Eustacio O. and Jacinta Chavez Placencio.

He was preceded in death by his parents, all his brothers and six of his sisters and his first wife, Rosilia “Rosie” Lopez Placencio.

He is survived by his wife Mary.

His children Myra and her husband, Michael, and Ben and his wife, Karri, his grandchildren: Matthew and his wife, Blanca, Cynthia, Natalie, Andrew, and Kathryn and one great-grandson, Miguel.

His sisters, Lupe Molina and Socorro Alfero and LOTS of nieces and nephews as well as greats and great greats of each.

Ben joined the United States Air Force and later the United States Army. He served three, one year tours in Vietnam, was stationed in many military bases in the United States and was stationed in Germany twice. He retired in 1976, eventually settling in Alamogordo, NM where he worked with Leer Siegler and then joined the Civil Service at Holloman AFB, retiring in 2008.

A funeral mass will be held in La Luz, NM at Our Lady of the Light on Thursday, December 04, 2025. Rosary begins at 10:30 a.m. with mass to follow at 11:00.

Burial will be Friday, December 05, 2025 at Fort Bayard, NM at 1:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to:

Our Lady of the Light

P.O. Box 236

La Luz New Mexico 88337