Leslie “Les” Stephen Chaves, 71, of Junction City, Kansas, passed on October 20, 2024, in Wakefield, Kansas.
Leslie was born in Junction City, Kansas to Charles Chaves and Glorcia Rhodeman on October 27, 1952. Les attended Junction City High School and graduated in 1970. During his years in high school, Les excelled in football, basketball, track, and was part of teams that won state championships in football, basketball, and track (1969-1970). He received many awards while in high schools.
Upon his graduation from Junction City High School, Les attended Coffeyville Community Junior College in Coffeyville, Kansas for two years. He started in football and basketball and received many awards. Les then furthered his athletic and educational careers at Kansas State University. He served as tri-captain of the Kansas State Wildcat football team. He was drafted by the Detroit Lions of the National Football League in 1975. That same year he received the proclamation declaring Les Chaves Day in Junction City, Kansas.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Leon Chaves.
Those left to cherish his memory include his son Leslie "Chuggs" Chaves, Jr.; his sister, Leonetta Bibby of Junction City, Kansas; brother Michael (Linde) Chaves of Highlands Ranch, Colorado. Many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends
Visitation will be held at Second Missionary Baptist Church on October 31, 2024, at 12 pm. Funeral service will be held at Second Missionary Baptist Church on Thursday, October 31, 2024, at 1:00 p.m.
Burial will follow at Highland Cemetery, 703 Ash Street, Junction City, Kansas. Johnson and Mass-Hinitt Funeral Home will be handling the funeral arrangements.