Don Chevio, long time small business owner and family patriarch, dies at 90

Eusebio “Don Chevio” Lopez, age 90 of Compostela, Nayarit passed away peacefully at his home on Monday, May 1st, 2023 surrounded by family. He was born September 11th, 1932 to Aurelio Flores and Catalina Lopez in Embocadero, Nayarit. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 31 years, Inez Fonseca.

Don Chevio with Inez Fonseca

He was also preceded in death by his siblings, Roberto, Lupe, Petritra, and Cenayda, daughter Lupita, niece Eloisa. He grew up working as a farmhand and later in life as bartender and small business owner. Eusebio loved gardening, fishing, traveling, and making the annual trek to Talpa de Allende, Jalisco. He enjoyed visits from his good friend and right hand Don Lencho and brother Don Chimiano.

Don Chevio hauling corn with his horses

Don Chevio never got the opportunity to attend formal schooling as he began to work at an early age to support his family. At 14, Don Chevio left Embocadero moving to Compostela to seed and harvest corn, zucchini, and cucumber. He started the family business raising organic pigs for sale in the local farmers market.

Don Chevio raised organic pigs to support his family

For over 30 years he was a bartender for Cantina Dos Equis/ Chevios Bar. He married the love of his life, Inez Fonseca, in ~1962 and raised five children: Guadalupe, Catalina, Rosa Carmina, Eusebio, Maria del Rosario, and Francisco Javier.

Don Chevio with his young family

Don Chevio set an example for all of us, by showing loving acts of unconditional kindness, generosity, positivity, and unwavering work ethic despite being illiterate and his physical disabilities. He could often be heard singing, dancing, and gifting a bottle of tequila to family during birthdays and special holidays. Don Chevio had a way of making everyone he met feel special with his laughter and genuine words. He looked forward to weekend gatherings with all of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and called them dearly by, “mis hijos y mis hijas”. Don Chevio was a consummate “gentleman” and will be deeply missed.

The Molina kids, tia Rosa, tia Chayo and cousins with their abuelo Don Chevio in the late 1980s

Don Chevio leaves behind, to cherish his memory, three daughters and one son, Catalina, Rosa Carmina, Eusebio, Maria del Rosario; his grandchildren, Miguel, Lorena, Rogelio, Maleny (Guadalupe); Yadira, David, Victor, Crystal, Nuria, Briana (Catalina); Fabiola, Ivan, Ramon Francisco, and Rosa Inez (Rosa Carmina); Alma Berenice, Norma Lilia, Maria Josefina, and Jeanisio (Eusebio); Isaac Martin, and Oscar Jovany (Maria del Rosario); his great-grandchildren, Nuria, Regina, Lionel, Alejandro, Yahaira, Sebastian, Maya, Paloma, Citlali, Jorge, Romina, Renata, Regina, Vianey, Valeria, Alan, Sasha, Cesar, Megan, Karla, Esmael, Lupita, Emiliano, Anthony; great great grandchildren, Damian, Julian, and Ulises; his brother, Maximiano “Chimiano” Flores; and his sister-in-law, Ofelia; as well as, nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends who will continue to live his legacy.

A community viewing will be held on Monday, May 1st, 2023, from 8:00 PM to Tuesday, May 2nd, 2023, 2:00 PM at Funeraria San Jose. Mass (Misa de Cuerpo Presente) will be held on Tuesday, May 2nd, 2023, from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Don Chevio will be laid to rest at Panteon Municipal in Compostela. DEP Abuelo <3

David Molina is the second eldest son of Catalina, and 1/21 grandchildren. He will cherish the fond memories of his abuelo’s peaceful corral surrounded by nopales, enjoying ceviche at the famed Cholito Restaurant & Bar while listening to the banda play, morning licuados at La Plaza, visiting Rincoln de Guayabitos to take in the views, and his mesmerizing ability to simplify the complex.