Mario V. Sanchez

Mario V. Sanchez, 70, of Abilene, passed away on Sunday, November 11, 2018. Funeral Mass will be held at 10am on Friday, November 16, 2018 at St. Vincent Catholic Church with burial following in Elliott-Hamil Garden of Memories Cemetery. The family will receive friends for a visitation from 6 to 8pm on Thursday evening at Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home, 5701 Hwy 277 South.

Mario was born on June 22, 1948 and passed away on November 11, 2018. He grew up in San Angelo until he moved to Sonora at the age 4 years old. He began and completed his education in Sonora, Tx. That was a great experience where he met a long list of childhood friends. In high school, Mario excelled in sports. He was extremely proud that he was voted co-captain his senior year of his football team. Plus he received all district defensive end.

In 1967 he married his first wife Sylvia from Ozona, Tx. He joined the Air Force in December of 1967. He spent 8 months over seas. A year later he returned and was stationed at Webb Air Force Base, TX. Then his daughter Marlene was born. He served 20 years in the Air Force.

He remarried in April of 2002 to his loving wife Clara Sanchez. After retirement, Mario decided to join the ranks of Abilene State School for 7 years. He then joined the Robertson unit for 28 years which was his last stop. He was a volunteer for Meals on Wheels. Mario had a bucket list, 2 points. Running a marathon which he completed in January of 1980. Next on his bucket list was to make a hole in one which he surpassed by making 3.

His great passion in life was watching his grandkids play sports. He followed them all across Texas. He was an avid golfer. He had a great love for his dogs Red and Tootsie.

He is survived by his loving wife Clara, daughter Marlene Sanchez, ex-wife Sylvia Sanchez, step-daughter Eva Garcia (Jerry Garcia Jr.), stepson Nick Dominguez, grandkids Josh and Nicholas Dominguez, Christa and Jerry Garcia III (Pops), brothers Ray Sanchez, Mike Ortega, Oscar Ortega, and sister Olga Ortega.

Mario was preceded in death by his parents Sheila Mitchell, Frank Ortega, and Roman (Red) Sanchez, daughter baby Angel, and grandson Matthew Dominguez.

Those serving as pallbearers include: Nick Dominguez, Jerry Garcia Jr, Josh and Nicholas Dominguez, Christa and Jerry Garcia III.

The family of Mario V. Sanchez wishes to extend our sincere thanks to nurse Becky, with Hendricks Hospice Care team and the entire staff.