Mark Sandoval of Clovis, California passed away peacefully with his wife by his side on Wednesday May 3, 2023, at the age of 88. He was born on February 19, 1935, in Clovis, California where he grew up.
Mark worked as an autobody repairman, along with some of his brothers at Renewal Body Works, Inc., a family business. He did some tractor discing for fire control in the Spring. Mark also owned several rental properties on which he would do most of any repairs needed. He also worked on his two acres of Thompson grapes located on his property.
Mark was preceded in death by his parents, Margarito and Ester Sandoval. Also, his three older brothers, Alex, Jess and Lupe Sandoval.
Mark was survived by his wife of 48 years, Vicky Sandoval, daughters, Laura Abell and Georgia Nevarez, his sons-in-law, Roger Nevarez and Shon Abell, grandchildren, Aaron, Zim, Natalie, Madison, Mark, Alex, Arianna, Brooke and Dominik. Also step-grandson, Noah.
In his spare time, Mark enjoyed working on restoring old classic cars and some wrecked vehicles for himself, family and friends. Once, he bought two wrecked Volkswagens and cut them in half. Then he made one by using the front of one and the back of the other.
Mark had a passion for traveling and meeting new people. He would start conversations with strangers and inevitably make new friendships. At times, Mark would answer the phone and even if it was a wrong number, he would start a conversation with them. He read the newspaper every day.
Mark found satisfaction in helping people when they had car problems. Many times, he could diagnose the problem by listening to the noise the car was making. At times, friends or relatives would ask Mark to accompany them to check out the condition of a used vehicle before purchasing it.
Mark had a good sense of humor. He loved hearing jokes as well as telling jokes. He also enjoyed playing pranks on people or encouraging a person to play a prank on someone else.
Mark enjoyed having ducks, geese and chickens around the house. He would often just sit and watch them eat after feeding them. If they let him, he would hold them. He also loved his cat.
Throughout the years Mark would find a better home to purchase and at every one he would maintain a beautiful yard. The grass was always green and manicured. He would also pull out the old trees and plant new evergreen trees.
Friends and family are invited to attend a service on Tuesday, May 23, 2023, at 10:00 am at Whitehurst, Sullivan, Burns and Blair Funeral Chapel at 938 E. Nees in Fresno. Interment to follow at Clovis Cemetery at 305 N. Villa, Clovis.
