Floyd Wayne Chavers

Floyd began life on December 11, 1941, in El Paso, TX. He was the second-born of seven children to the late William Cyla and Doris Marie Magee Chavers. On Tuesday, January 28, 2025, at the age of 83, he made a peaceful transition to be with Our Heavenly Father in the home of his niece and daughter by heart. He confessed his belief in Jesus Christ at an early age and was a lifelong follower. He devoted his life to the ministry of spreading the Gospel of Jesus to as many as he could touch. He often told a friend or a stranger, “Walk with Jesus”.He lived in many places growing up as his father moved the family around in both Texas and Florida for his work. Floyd found his soul mate in Texas at the very young age of 11. He married Esther May on May 8, 1964, in El Paso, TX at Mountain View Baptist Church and again on July 25, 2011, in Whiteclay, NB on Pine Ridge Indian Reservation while Floyd was serving as missionary after their prior divorce; they were married for a total of 48 years. She preceded him in death in Eden, TX on April 18, 2023; buried in Eden Cemetery where Floyd will join the bride of his youth and the love of his life on February 15, 2025, with Military Honors at the graveside.He was a man of many hats - Cowboy, Sailor, Pastor, School Teacher, Indian, Historian, and Missionary. He grew up learning carpentry and electrical, working with his father; and dairy farming helping his uncle after school in Florida. He had a love for adventure whether that was bronco riding, bull riding, or the high seas! He cherished that which God provided in nature, beautiful landscape views, flowers, and birds.He graduated from Tate High School in Gonzales, FL on June 1, 1960. He enlisted in the Navy in April 1962 where he had a long career as a Navy Storekeeper SK1 that took him to many domestic and foreign ports until his retirement in August 1993. He was commissioned to the United States Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 58 in Davisville, RI on March 15, 1966, and served 2 tours in the Vietnam War as a Seabee. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Education Degree from The University of Texas at El Paso in May 1975 with 2 Teaching Certifications for Secondary Social Studies in 1976 and Secondary Mathematics in 1994.He was affiliated with and a Pastor for many churches during his life and served several years as a Missionary to the Lakota Indian Tribe in Pine Ridge, SD with Hands of Faith Ministries. His Lakota name given to him was Ob Wakan Wicasa Omani, which meant “he carries God’s Word to the people” as shared by his Lakota brother, John Two Bulls. Floyd had a strong passion for his own Indian roots that drew him to a desire to take the Gospel to the Lakota people when an opportunity came. He and Esther moved away to Eden, TX in September 2014 and developed many warm relationships in the community for the 9 years they lived there. Hallelujah Trails Cowboy Church was their home church in the end.Floyd was also a proud member of the VFW and served as Chaplain in two posts. He enjoyed his service and friendships with his veteran brothers and sisters, several who were very instrumental in many ways in his life while living in Eden.Floyd was preceded in death by his wife, Esther May Rupp; his 12 siblings James Chavers, Marjorie Wilkes, Jackie Gammel, Carolyn Beach by his father; G. Raymond Chavers, Barbara Chavers-Copeland, Evelyn Chavers, Ernest Chavers, Nancy Zaky by his parents; Marie Callahan, Clyde Chavers, and Donald Chavers by his father.He is survived by his brother his parents Herbert Chavers and his wife, Suzette of Riverside, CA; brothers by his father Charles Chavers and WJ Chavers of Florida. The children not of his loins, but of his heart – nieces and nephews Cleveland Pert and wife, Bonnie Allen of Burleson, TX; Cellina Pert Stokes and husband, John David Stokes of Humble, TX; Casondra Pert Trevino of Conover, WI; Cliffton Pert and wife, Geri Pert of Shelbyville, TX; Paul Bianchi Chavers of El Paso, TX; Betty Chavers Stanton and husband, David Stanton of Austin, TX; Tamara Wilhelm & Ed Deeters of Austin, TX; and Nathanael Chavers of Riverside, CA. He also leaves behind a host of friends, neighbors, and veterans.As the big brother and father figure, he will be forever remembered with much love, and fond and funny memories for the leadership, influence, and many sacrifices he made for the benefit of our lives.

His body will lie in-state at Eden Funeral Home on Friday, February 14, from 9am to 6pm. Service at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, February 15, 2025, at Hallelujah Trails Cowboy Church by Paster Charley Winford. Military Honors and Internment following service at Eden Cemetery in Eden, TX by Eden Funeral Home.