Armand Sanchez, Sr.

Armand is survived by his wife of 69 years, Lily Sanchez, sister Helen Almendarez, daughter Yolanda Zermeno and her husband Russell, son Andy Sanchez and his wife Ricci, and son Antone Sanchez and his wife Andrea. He had seven grandchildren, four great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews, all of whom he adored.

In 1966 Armand opened Bellaire Shoe Repair in Bellaire, Texas and turned that business into a phenomenal success for almost 50 years. His master craftsmanship skills were legendary. He mentored and taught many of the greater Houston area shoe repairmen who were willing to work hard and who wanted to master his craft. His shop was home to the Houston Ballet for the past 30 years and Theater Under the Stars for the past 29 years, plus many thousands of customers who loved him and whom he loved as well.

Armand proudly served his country during WW II in the Navy on the USS Bennion (DD-662). The USS Bennion participated in the largest naval battle of World War II, The Battle of Leyte Gulf, and she and her crew earned eight battle stars. The USS Bennion was awarded The Presidential Unit Citation for her valor during the Battle of Okinawa, April 1, to June 1, 1945. This Citation is given to a unit for displaying such gallantry, determination, and esprit de corps in accomplishing its mission under extremely difficult and hazardous conditions so as to set it apart from and above other units participating in the same campaign.

For Armand and Lily, there was never a dance hall or a party where the dance floor wasn’t cleared for them. He loved his family, his business, his customers, dancing and eating. Armand was much loved by all who knew him, and was a kind and loving man who never met a stranger.

He was a hero to his country and to his family. His favorite daily phrases that demonstrate his foundational values of optimism, concern for others, and his belief in the Lord were, “It’s a beautiful day,” “Did you have enough to eat?” and “If God’s willing.” He always gave us his “blessings” upon parting. Armand “Popo” Sanchez was one of a kind and will forever be truly missed.

Friends are invited to visitation with the family from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm, Thursday, January 12, 2017 at Earthman Bellaire Funeral Home (New Location). Funeral Service will be held at 12:00 noon, Friday, January 13, 2017 with a reception beginning at 10:00 am at Earthman Bellaire Funeral Home, 4525 Bissonnet St., Bellaire, TX 77401(713-667-6505). Interment will follow immediately after the funeral service at Forest Park Westheimer Cemetery with full military honors.

Condolenlences may be offered at www.earthmanbellaire.com