Ramiro “Ram” Chavez, a decorated Vietnam War veteran, musician, and advocate for veterans in the Coastal Bend, will be honored with full military services.
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Funeral services have been announced for Ramiro “Ram” Chavez, a decorated Vietnam War veteran, musician, educator and longtime advocate for the Coastal Bend’s veteran community.
Chavez died Aug. 3 after his cancer returned. He was 80.
Visitation will be held from 5 to 9 p.m. Monday, Aug. 10, at Most Precious Blood Catholic Church, located at 3502 Saratoga Blvd. The recitation of the rosary will begin at 7 p.m.
This story continues below.
A Mass will be celebrated at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 11, at the church.
Chavez will then be laid to rest at 11 a.m. at the Coastal Bend State Veterans Cemetery. The Purple Heart recipient will receive full military honors.
According to an obituary shared by Treviño Funeral Home, Chavez was born Dec. 8, 1945, in Corpus Christi and graduated from Roy Miller High School in 1964. He later earned a bachelor’s degree in music education from Texas A&I University in Kingsville and a master’s degree in educational administration from Corpus Christi State University.
Chavez served in the U.S. Army from 1967 to 1969 as a combat medic with Company C, 7th Battalion, 199th Light Infantry Brigade during the Vietnam War.
He was wounded in action and received numerous military honors for his service, including the Silver Star, Bronze Star Medal with “V” device for valor, Purple Heart, Good Conduct Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with five campaign stars, Combat Medical Badge and Presidential Unit Citation, according to the obituary.
During the Tet Offensive, Chavez risked his life to reach wounded soldiers near a Catholic church in Saigon. He later learned his actions led commanders to cancel a planned airstrike, sparing the church from destruction.
After returning home, Chavez dedicated his life to music, education and serving other veterans.
According to the obituary, Chavez formed Ram and the Impalas in 1965 and also performed with the Freddie Martinez Orchestra and Eddie Galvan Orchestra. Ram and the Impalas became well known throughout Corpus Christi and South Texas.
Chavez also shared his love of music with thousands of Coastal Bend students. Known to many as “Mr. C,” he worked at Moody High School, Cullen Junior High, Ray High School and Cunningham Middle School before retiring in 1997.
In 1986, Chavez founded the Veterans Band of Corpus Christi, combining his love of music with his commitment to honoring those who served. The band performed across the country, including at President George H.W. Bush’s inauguration in 1989.
Chavez later worked as a legislative aide for the late state Sen. Carlos F. Truan and served as staff director for the Texas Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs and Military Installations, according to the obituary.
He also played an instrumental role in bringing the Coastal Bend State Veterans Cemetery to Corpus Christi — the same cemetery where he will be laid to rest.
Chavez was a member of several organizations dedicated to veterans, including the American GI Forum’s Dr. Hector P. Garcia Chapter, the Mayor’s Committee for Veterans Affairs and the Military Order of the Purple Heart.
His family thanked the Corpus Christi community and people across South Texas for supporting Chavez during his final days.
“From the bottom of our hearts, thank you to Corpus Christi and all of South Texas for loving our father as much as you did,” the family said. “Your kindness, compassion, and prayers have meant more to our family than words can express.”
According to the obituary, Chavez is survived by three children, nine grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and several siblings.
In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to be made to the Veterans Band of Corpus Christi in honor of Chavez’s lifelong dedication to veterans, music and his community.