Community mourns the loss of “Chevo”
(Seguin) – The community is mourning the loss of what might have just been one of Seguin’s most legendary citizens, “Chevo.” If you are native to Seguin or lived in the community in the 70s, 80s and 90s, then chances are great that you knew the kindhearted man who was a part of everyday life here in Seguin. Born Eusebio Lara, “Chevo” was described as “an iconic presence” drawing in residents with his “kind, funny and loving soul.” Following news about Chevo’s death on Tuesday, folks immediately took to social media recalling their fondest memories of the gentle soul.
Among those paying his respects was local musician Clint Taft. Taft writes, “He was everywhere when I was a kid — always at the Starcke Park pool and the Little League Fields. Chevo was a true Seguin legend.”
Others like Ken Kiel also posted a few memories, taking the time to recall a few interactions together.
“Chevo was a Seguin icon!! I remember him showing up at baseball and softball games all the time. I was proud that I tied him in tic-tac-toe, but he kicked my butt in checkers!”
Even after years of no longer walking the streets and attending community events, folks have continued to question his whereabouts. But like many, poor health kept him homebound.
Chevo’s niece Nancy Ramirez says although she always knew her uncle was special, it wasn’t until recently that she truly understood the magnitude of his lasting footprint in this community.
“I know when he went back out to the parade, it was back some time ago and he was on one of the Facebook sites and everybody was like “Chevo!” That’s when I think I realized – oh my gosh! A lot of people knew Chevo. When I was younger, seeing him every day was normal. I didn’t know that everybody else knew him. It wasn’t until I got older and more recently– even my aunt — when I was talking to her last night, and I was showing her all the Facebook posts – I asked did you realize how many people loved Chevo and how many people knew him? She said ‘no mija, I didn’t know.’ So, it does really make them feel really good and the fact that he was so popular in the community. A lot of people did love him, and a lot of people knew him for who he was,” said Ramirez.
Ramirez says her uncle’s innocence and love for the community are what she will best remember and will always be grateful to the entire community for taking care of her uncle. She says it was that kindness shown that helped him navigate around town for so many years.
“Seeing everything coming out from the community, it is just amazing. It’s a testament to who he was and the fact that he wasn’t ashamed of his disability and his handicap – the fact that he had a speech impediment. He still loved people and people still loved him and for that, we are very thankful to the community for loving him the way that he loved the Seguin community. I heard stories that they would buy him meals. He’d take care of people and people took care of him. The baseball complex, the concession stand, would give him free sodas and at the fairgrounds, they would give him meals so for that, we are very thankful for all the kindness and for all the support that they gave him throughout the years,” said Ramirez.
Although he was all smiles, it just might have been Chevo’s enthusiasm and popular catch phrases such as “goodie, goodie, goodie” that gained him plenty of attention. Ramirez says those phrases today are still remembered and cherished by those who had the privilege to be around him.
“He cheered. He was loud. He wasn’t quiet,” laughs Ramirez. “He yelled for his teams, and he yelled for the kids at the baseball fields – the ‘batter, batter swing!’ Chevo loved to be around people. That’s for sure.”
Funeral services for Chevo will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Sept. 9 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church.
Chevo was 78.