Ruben I. Chavez, Jr.

Ruben Isadore Chavez, Jr; was a father, grandfather, uncle, brother, and son. He was also a self-proclaimed jack of all trades and an avid practical joker. More importantly, he was a father to 10 children. Ruben peacefully passed away with his family at his side at the age of 64, after a sudden illness on July 26th at Ochsner Hospital in Hammond, LA.

He was happily settled for most of his life in Mathews and Raceland but was born in Inglewood, CA on June 14, 1957. Ruben worked in many professions that support the life and culture of Lafourche Parish working on offshore oil platforms, Raceland Sugars, Valentine Pulp & Paper Mill, as a mechanic and an air-conditioning technician.

Visitation will be held from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. on Monday, August 2, at St. Hilary of Poitiers Catholic Church. Celebration of Life memorial service will be held in his honor at 11 a.m.

Ruben is survived by his children; Ruben III (Santana), Autum (Chris), Roberto (Haley), Rain (Lainey), Rio (Heidi), Rico (Becky), Reaven, April, Angelina; as well as 14grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild.

He is also survived by his brothers; Ronald, Roby, Nelson, Jr., and Nathan; and sisters; Rubette, Nanette, and Paulette; as well as his dad, Nelson Griffin, Sr.

He was preceded in death by his daughter Heaven; mother Lydia Griffin; and brother Max Clements.

Ruben was a kind and generous soul with the best hair on the bayou. He lived for his children and whole-heartedly embraced being a grandfather. While he faced many struggles; he lived a life of strength. He made sure to pass that strength onto his children.

In his early years, Ruben faced a number of major life challenges but managed to maintain a shining light that made his family strong. He could fix anything and worked to help those in his circle. If you spent any time with him, you quickly saw his wit and his unforgiving knack as a “goofball.” A perpetual jokester, he could bring laughter to any awkward moment. Ruben will be dearly missed by his large family and numerous other relatives and friends along Bayou Lafourche who watched countless hours of Netflix movies with him.