It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved father, Lucio Chavez Hernandez, who bravely fought until the very end before gaining his wings on February 1, 2025, at St. Joseph's Hospital, surrounded by his loving family.

Lucio was born in San Felipe de Hijar, Jalisco, Mexico, on January 7, 1938. He migrated to the United States in 1963, where he worked tirelessly as a migrant worker, traveling from Salinas, California, to Yuma, Arizona for many years.

From the early 1970s to the late 1980s, Lucio was a respected strawberry grower in the Salinas Valley, where he cultivated high-quality crops. Managing a crew of 10 to 15 employees, he worked tirelessly to ensure the best yields while fostering a strong sense of teamwork and dedication among his workers. His passion for agriculture and his relentless drive left a lasting impact on the community and those who had the privilege of working alongside him.

Lucio was deeply committed to social justice, particularly in supporting farmworkers' rights. A dedicated advocate for César Chávez and the United Farm Workers (UFW), he participated in the 1970s UFW March for Human Rights in Salinas, fighting for better working conditions and fair treatment of laborers. His belief in fairness and equality was central to his values and his unwavering spirit.

In addition to his work and activism, Lucio was also an active member of a CB club, where he forged strong bonds with fellow members. His CB handle, "Relampago," meaning "Lightning," was well-known among his peers and truckers on the road. This club not only helped each other as they traveled but also extended support to truckers, creating a tight-knit network of care and camaraderie that reflected Lucio's generous and community-oriented spirit.

In his later years, he settled and worked on his ranch in Somerton, Arizona, where he grew oranges, lemons, grapefruit, dates, and harvested honey. His ranch not only provided for his family but also became a place where he built lifelong relationships with his clients, many of whom became dear friends. Gardening and tending to his plants brought him immense joy, as they were a reflection of his nurturing spirit.

After the passing of his wife, Lucio remarried and embarked on a new chapter of his life. He found love again and created a whole new life filled with travel, new family, and lasting friendships. His adventurous spirit led him to explore new places and make countless memories, all while continuing to cherish his family and his roots.
A true patriarch, Lucio was the backbone of his family. He carried the role with pride, offering strength and wisdom to those around him. His unwavering encouragement to take care of one another and his emphasis on the value of life were cornerstones of his legacy.

Lucio had a remarkable sense of humor and was known for his captivating stories and jokes, which will be cherished and remembered for years to come. His straightforward nature and honesty were qualities that earned him the love and respect of all who knew him.

Lucio was blessed with many grandchildren and great-grandchildren from both sides of the family, each of whom loved him dearly. His legacy lives on through them as they carry with them the lessons, love, and memories he shared. A devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Lucio's love for his family knew no bounds. He was always there with a smile and a helping hand, whether in moments of need or simply to share in the joys of life. Lucio's love for travel allowed him to connect with family and make new friends, enriching his life with experiences and memories.

Lucio's wisdom, kindness, and love will be deeply missed. His legacy will live on in the countless lives he touched and the memories he created with those who loved him. He will forever be remembered for his dedication to his family, his work, his community, and his commitment to helping others.

We love and miss you more than you know, Dad❤️

Rest in heavenly peace🙏🤍🕊️