Raymond M Sanchez

Raymond Sanchez, 91, passed away on September 13, 2017. A native Austinite, Raymond was born on July 30th, 1926. He was a proud WWII veteran, serving for years in the Pacific where he was wounded twice in action. After the war, he was the manager of the Austin Army and Navy Store and area wide manager of the House of Jeans Store, with locations in central and south Texas. He later went into business for himself with his wife Jane as his partner, opening Raymond’s Work Shoes. He retired, reluctantly, at age 70. Raymond was an amazingly resilient person, surviving two major heart attacks, a stroke, and two types of cancer. He always bounced back and took everything in stride. When Jane had complications from an operation it was Raymond who was her major caregiver, taking care of her for five years until her death. Raymond did like to have fun. He enjoyed golfing, hunting and fishing with his buddies. Him and Jane also loved to turn heads on the dance floor. In his final years, his favorite event was his annual birthday party where all of his friends came in from across the country to celebrate and reminisce.

Raymond was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Margaret Sanchez, his sister Corina Gonzalez, and by his wife of 63 years, Jane G. Sanchez. He is survived by his son, daughters and their spouses: Mike (Mona), Patti (Lewis), and Rene (Bobby). He is also survived by his only granddaughter and a special person in his life Mary Katherine Sanchez. Raymond comes from a large family and is also survived by his siblings and their spouses: Walter (Cecilia), Stella (Clarence), Armando (Sophie), Margaret (Jesse), Herbie (Vicky), and Jerry, and many nieces and nephews. Raymond leaves behind many close and good friends. Raymond’s family would like to give a special thanks to Dr. Mark Lindsey and Dr. Jane Chawla as well as the entire nursing staff at Seton Hospital and Christopher House, all of whom took tremendous care of Raymond over the years and improved his quality or life.

Mass will be held on Thursday, October 12th, 2017 at St. Louis Catholic Church (7601 Burnet Rd, Austin, TX 78757). A reception will follow at Wazniack Hall to celebrate Raymond’s life.