Julian " Julio" O. Sandoval

Julian Oscar Sandoval "Julio" was born in Brackettville, Texas on April 12, 1934. He loved growing up there with his brother and sisters. He attended elementary school and high school there. During his high school years at Brackett, he played the drums. He had a keen sense of rhythm and loved all music.

During the summer months and at an early age, he assisted his father in his sheep shearing business which took them to the Dakotas annually.. His father wanted Julio to join him in the family business permanently, However immediately following his graduation, at age 17, Julio joined the Air Force. His father was crushed!

Julio served 30 years in the Air Force and retired as a military weather forecaster, guiding planes in to land. Following retirement from the Air Force, he became an employee of the US Postal Service for another 13 years in order to provide the best life for his three boys. He was an example of the discipline and honor required to serve his country. He was very proud to have served. Two of his three sons from a previous marriage followed in his footsteps and rose to the ranks of officers in the US Navy. He was extremely proud of their accomplishments.

Julio's favorite pastime was watching live or televised sports, all sports, all schools, and all teams. He loved to watch his Alma mater Brackett Tigers play and win!

Many years later, at age 65, Julio came to the Social Security Office for information on Medicare. Diana Balli Taylor was on duty for the next interview. After calling out his name, he said "I was DONE!" They were together 22 years, but formally married on October 13, 2010.

Julio was a happy spirit. He was quick witted, and self educated. He could carry on an intelligent conversation with anyone. He was quite knowledgeable of all current events, but especially sport statistics. He also instilled in his sons a love for all sports.

Julio's passion was dancing especially to Tejano music. He and Diana were well known for attending dances and parties. He could and would out-dance anyone at his table and knew steps for most dances! He also loved line dancing. He was generous and giving when a necessity arose. He gave $1000 to Katrina victims without anyone knowing. He was liked by anyone who met him. Diana's son, Jim Taylor, Jr. considered him a father figure, and Julio loved Jim.

Julio was a tall, robust man and scared of no one. He had two strokes which caused him to develop Alzheimer's Dementia. He struggled with this illness for 3 years. It pursued him, but not without a fight from Julio. In January 2022, he had a slight heart attack. He survived the implantation of 5 stints and went home the next day. He lived another 8 more months, but the illness finally took his life, Friday, September 16, 2022.

Eddie Joe Sandoval, "Fast Eddie" your father truly appreciated your visits, your personal conversations, and your companionship! Fast Eddie you personified the honor, respect, and love one shows to his father and his leadership role. No matter what the circumstance, Eddie Joe never failed his father.

Julio wanted to be remembered for his smile (he personally picked this for his tombstone) and his love of dancing. His love for Diana was evident til the end. He answered her "I Love You, Julio," by "I Love You Too" two nights before his death. These were probably the last words he spoke.

Julio leaves behind his wife, Diana Balli Taylor, stepsons James J. Taylor, Jr. and Brent M. Taylor and step grandson Zac.; his sons Eddie Joe, Ronald, and Tom Sandoval; brother Lingo Sandoval; and sister Bonnie Beloz (Cruz). He had two other sisters, deceased, Zulema and Maria Elena. He also had a daughter that died at childbirth; 5 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. He loved to converse with his nephew, David Wilson.

Julio had unconditional love for Diana and his family. This was the joy of his life. He lived for them.

Julian " Julio" O. Sandoval, age 88 passed away on Friday, September 16, 2022. Julio was born April 12, 1934 in Brackettville, Texas. Julio was a veteran of US Air Force and served for 30 years. He then worked another 13 years for US Postal Service. He was married to Diana Balli Taylor, and they were together for 22 years. Julio was an avid sports enthusiast, loved to golf, and loved dancing. He and Diana were known to attend numerous parties and dances. He leaves behind his wife Diana; sons Eddie Joe, Ron, and Tom Sandoval; brother Lingo Sandoval, sister Bonnie Beloz (Cruz) and five grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.

Visitation for Julio will be held Thursday, October 13, 2022 from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Sunset Northwest Funeral Home, 6321 Bandera Road, San Antonio, Texas 78238 with a rosary at 7:00 PM. A funeral mass will be celebrated Friday, October 14, 2022 at 10:00 AM at St. Luke Catholic Church, 4603 Manitou Drive, San Antonio, TX 78228 with interment to follow at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery with Air Force Honors.