Dates
Jose Sanchez Sr went home to be with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on October 23, 2025 surrounded by loved ones.
Jose was born on April 15, 1940 to Carmen Sanchez Gonzalez and Inocente Cardona in Remolino, Coauhila Mexico.
Dad always spoke of an adventurous upbringing. Living a very modest life as a child, he had to leave school at an early age to help support his family. Friends would often say that it was common to see him around the countryside with a slingshot, hunting small game to help feed his family. At the age of 7 he was contracted to be a sheep herder. At age 10, a family member asked him to come work on a Mexican Hacienda(La Hacienda del Caballo). Seeing it through my Dad’s eyes, he was so excited to have his first real job. He was in charge of the remuda. The Hacienda had 60 horses and 12 Vaqueros. Each Vaquero was provided with 4 horses. Dad’s job was to feed and water the horses. He was to begin each morning at 4am catching and saddling for each vaquero.
At the age of 13, Jose had the itch to cross the border with 3 older gentlemen. He landed in Sterling County and was provided a job with the late Mr. Bill Reed. Dad always spoke volumes about Mr. Reed and Family. His fondest memories were when Mr. Reed would show acts of kindness with special treats and clothing for my Dad as he was a young child surrounded by older men.
From there Dad “illegally explored” much of the U.S., working in all parts of Texas, Colorado, Utah and spending many years in California. This is where Dad met Vivian Anaya. Seeing Dad from her eyes, this is how the story goes. Mom was working on a farm in Yuba City, California and Dad was working alongside her operating a tractor. According to Mom, Dad was arm wrestling for money during their lunch hour. Each day, no one would was able to take his title. They soon fell in love. They were married on July 18, 1969. From this marriage they had two children - Vivian(Viv) and Jose Jr(Joe). Dad also raised two daughters from Vivian’s first marriage – Diana and Catherine Marin. Additionally, Jose was previously married for a short period of time. From this union they had one child named Maria Guadalupe Sanchez Anguiano.
Jose worked the rest of his life on a ranch or oilfield. Dad was blessed with having the ability to teach and have patience. He taught his children to be honest, hardworking and diligent in everything you do. When working, there’s never and idle moment. Never to borrow anything because something always goes wrong. Always take care of your family and be respectful to others. He taught us not to waste your energy in nonsense, people of nonsense and those who did not work hard. Often he would have lengthy dialogue with people who had good substance in what they had to say but quickly would shorten the conversation when they just began to talk. Dad gauged people on how close they were to agriculture. His humor and quick wit were with him till the end. Jose was an outstanding teacher of perseverance, discernment, patience and hard work.
Later in life, Dad was most content caring for his small herd of goats and helping his son. He loved being in the country mending fences, trimming mesquite or cleaning troughs until he couldn’t do it anymore.
Mom passed in January of 2024 and Dad lost his partner and love. Shortly thereafter, Dad was diagnosed with a slow form of Alzheimer’s and Myelodysplastic Syndrome. He began chemotherapy at Shannon’s Cancer Center. He was cared for at the highest level. The nurses would all wave and smile at the little, short man in cowboy hat that shuffled down the aisle.
Jose is survived by his 3 children: Maria Guadalupe Sanchez Anguiano, Vivian Mata (Efram Mata), Joe Sanchez Jr (Jodi Sanchez), 17 grandchildren, numerous great grandchildren and great great grandchildren. Sisters: Victoria Torres, Silvia Cardona, Isabela (Edumundo) Lopez, Ana Cardona and Norma (Felipe) Gomez.
Dad is preceded in death by his father Inocente Cardona, mother Carmen Sanchez Gonzalez, daughter: Catherine Marin, siblings: Reynaldo Sanchez, Lupe (Rosa) Sanchez, Epigmenio (Herlinda) Sanchez, Hilaria Ordaz and Jose Inocente Cardona.
We would like to thank Dr. Cheruku and outstanding staff as they cared for my Dad at the highest level. Special thanks to the doctors and nurses at Shannon Hospital along with Concho Hearts Hospice.
Celebration of Dad’s life will be Monday October 27th in the Eldorado Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church at 10am. Interment will follow thereafter.
Romans 5:3-4
Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance: perseverance, character; and character, hope.”