Born November 15, 1924, in San Antonio, TX, to Soledad and Saturnina Sanchez, one of nine children. He served his country during World War II. Working as an aircraft mechanic propelled him into a lifelong love of aviation. He always regretted not learning to fly. And he regretted his daughter not learning. She was more afraid of landing than flying that high.
His love of baseball goes back to his childhood. That love continued, watching games as often as he could alongside his wife of 57 years, Edith. The Atlanta Braves were his home team. Their 1995 championship was one he savored. He tried his hardest to make his daughter the first female MLB player even though she had no interest.
He met his wife, Edith (Rogers), in the mess line when he cut in front of her (he outranked her). She was not keen on that and let him know. That led to a date and six weeks later, marriage. That marriage lasted 57 years until her death. They bickered like cats and dogs but in the end, they loved each other the best way they could.
He was an animal lover and passed that on to his daughter. He loved every animal she brought home. He was partial to cats, and so is she.
He was always helpful to anyone that needed it. Whether he was the one for the job or not, he tried his best. Though he may have peppered that help with saucy language, it was done in love.
His daughter will remember him as a sensitive man who was rough around the edges. He was someone who cried with her as they said goodbye to beloved pets and held her hand on scary rides. He showed strength through physical pain and kindness in trying times. She will miss his chivalry in opening doors and insistence on picking up the check. Most of all she’ll miss him always being there.
He is survived by his only child, Allison Sanchez, of Columbus. He also has one surviving sister, Petra Sanchez Facundo, of San Antonio, TX.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Edith Rogers Sanchez, his parents, Soledad Sanchez and Saturnina Corona Sanchez, brothers and sisters, Joe Sanchez, Edward Sanchez, Felix Sanchez, Catarino Sanchez, Maria de Jesusa Sanchez Vargas, Rosa Sanchez Ibarra, and Juanita Sanchez Monares.
A visitation for family and friends for Eugene will be held Thursday, April 18, 2024 from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM at Striffler-Hamby Mortuary - Columbus, 4071 Macon Rd, Columbus, Georgia 31907. Following the visitation a graveside service will begin at 11:00 AM at Fort Mitchell National Cemetery, 553 AL Highway-165, Fort Mitchell, AL.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be made for the Sanchez family at www.shcolumbus.com
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