Daniel Vasques Chapa

Daniel Vasques Chapa, Sr., age 92, passed away in the early hours of January 22, 2026, surrounded by family and love. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather whose life was defined by service, perseverance, strength, and authority. Daniel was born in Alamo, Texas, where he began a life grounded in strong values, faith, and hard work. Those principles guided him throughout his life and were evident in both his military service and his dedication to those he loved.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Pedro Chapa and Jesusita Vargas Chapa; his beloved wife, Barbara Baker Chapa; his son, Daniel Vasques Chapa Jr.; his brothers, Alcadio Chapa, Eliazar Chapa, and Noé Chapa; and his sisters, Anita Garcia and Rebecca Chapa.

Daniel is survived by his daughter, Donna A. Chapa; his grandchildren, Charles Chapa, James Chapa, and Eva Kelley; and his great-grandchildren, Adalyn Chapa and Alex Chapa. He is also survived by his sisters, Delia Reyes and husband (Guadalupe) Reyes , Noemi (Mimi) Pedraza and husband (Raul) Pedraza, along with many nieces, nephews, and extended family members. He is lovingly remembered by his special friend and companion, Sandra Glosson, whose care and companionship brought him comfort and joy. He also leaves behind his loving dachshunds, Winston and Max, who were a constant source of companionship and comfort.

Military Service
Daniel proudly served more than 21 years in the United States Army, retiring honorably as a First Sergeant (1SG) with the 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces Command (FORSCOM). A Green Beret, he completed Special Forces training in 1966 and served his country in Korea during the Korean War and on multiple combat tours in Vietnam. Among his many military operations, Daniel’s Special Forces team was actively involved in the hunt and capture of Che Guevara in Bolivia, reflecting the complex, high-risk advisory and operational missions carried out by U.S. Army Special Forces during the Cold War. An elite Airborne Soldier and senior enlisted leader, Daniel’s service reflected exceptional strength, authority, discipline, and devotion to duty. As a First Sergeant, he was responsible not only for mission readiness, but for the care, discipline, and leadership of the Soldiers under his charge.

Decorations, Medals, Badges, and Campaign Ribbons
Bronze Star Medal; Army Commendation Medal; Meritorious Unit Commendation; Good Conduct Medal (multiple awards); National Defense Service Medal. Korean Service Medal; Army Occupation Medal; Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation. Vietnam Service Medal; Vietnam Campaign Medal (with 1960 Device); Republic of Vietnam Cross
of Gallantry with Palm; Republic of Vietnam Civil Actions Medal, First Class. Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal. Combat Infantryman Badge; Expert Infantryman Badge; Master Parachutist Badge; Distinguished Rifleman Badge.

Professional Career & Public Service
Following his military retirement, Daniel continued his lifelong commitment to service through a 20-year career with the United States Postal Service, where he was known for his reliability, strong work ethic, and pride in serving his community.

Life & Legacy
Daniel was a man of integrity, discipline, and authority. He believed in showing up, working hard, and doing what was right. Above all, he was a family man who took great pride in his daughter, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind many friends and countless others whose lives he touched through his leadership, service, and steady presence. His legacy lives on through the values he instilled, the Soldiers he led, and the lives he touched.

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