Tony “Chester” E. Maez

September 13, 1943 – October 6, 2026

New Mexico · Age 83

Tony “Chester” E. Maez, 83, passed away in the early hours of Tuesday, October 6, 2026, in Santa Fe—three days before his 35th wedding anniversary.

Chester was born on September 13, 1943, in Cebolla, New Mexico. He lived much of his life in the scenic Chama Valley, where he devoted more than 40 years to law enforcement.

He founded the Chama Police Department and served as Village Marshal and Chief of Police for the Village of Chama, retiring in 2005 as a lieutenant with the Rio Arriba sheriff’s office. For residents of those small towns, he was the man with the badge: recognized by all, recorded in local history, and served the northern New Mexico communities that knew him for a generation.

Off duty, Chester preferred activities demanding patience and an attentive audience. He sang karaoke whenever a microphone was present, painted familiar landscapes, and spent his best days at the lake with a line in the water. Fishing functioned less as a pastime than as a way to remain outdoors, quiet, and unhurried.

He is survived by his wife of nearly 35 years, Starla Santo Maez, and by his three sons, Anthony Maes, Dennis Maes, and John Maez. He was a loving husband, a devoted father, and a career officer in the communities that raised him.

Funeral arrangements are pending and will be announced by the family.

The family of Tony Maez has entrusted the care of their loved one to DeVargas Funeral Home & Creamatory of the beautiful Espanola Valley 505-747-7477