Manuel Joel Sanchez

Manuel Joel Sánchez, beloved brother (hermano), uncle (tio), and cousin (primo) was called home to be with his Savior and Lord, on March 7, 2023 at the age of 75. He was born on June 11, 1947 in Corpus Christi, Texas to his treasured parents, Ramon Sánchez Sr. and Marina González Sánchez. Manuel was the second of five siblings. He graduated from W.B. Ray High School (’65), and Del Mar College (’67) in Corpus Christi. He later earned his Bachelor of Science (’69) and his Master of Science (’71) in Mathematics from Texas A&I University in Kingsville, Texas.

Manuel began his career in the early 70’s working as a Systems Engineer for the US National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. He was involved with NASA’s space shuttle program; Manuel provided technical support for several space missions including Enterprise Orbiter and Shuttle Columbia. In his later years, he continued with his career in aeronautical engineering working for Lockheed-Martin in Fort Worth, Texas. Manuel subsequently moved to Seattle, Washington and worked for Boeing for almost a decade until he retired in 2017 and returned to Houston. Manuel, desiring to be close to his family, relocated to Corpus Christi in 2018.

At birth, Manuel was a miracle child. His parents were greatly challenged with their son’s congenital heart defect (CHD)—referred medically as an atrial septal defect characterized with a hole in the wall of the heart. Manuel’s doctors advised the family that unless his condition was addressed through surgery, he would not live beyond 30 years of age. Conducting his own research, Manuel advised his parents that he wanted the most skilled and gifted heart surgeon in the world—Dr. Denton Cooley—to perform the surgery. With much prayer and preparation, his parents helped arrange this risky medical procedure. At age 23, Manuel successfully underwent surgery in Houston, Texas at the Texas Heart Institute, founded by Dr. Cooley who pioneered many of today’s commonly used cardiovascular procedures and devices. (Dr. Cooley is also known for performing the first successful human transplant in the United States in 1968.)

In spite of his disability, Manuel pursued his educational and career goals. Manuel was a man of few words and rather shy. But that did not deter his inquisitive and creative nature. Throughout his life, Manuel had an unquenchable thirst for learning; he often would make use of telescopes, microscopes, and reading scientific journals to expand his knowledge. He liked conducting experiments to further enhance his learning about biology and chemistry. For example, he grafted citrus trees and maintained bee hives in his parent’s back yard. But mathematics was his true love, and he made extensive use of computers for problem-solving—both at work and home. During his retirement years, he collected computers. Other hobbies included making beautiful and highly intricate stained-glass pieces, electronic kit building, and collecting toy model cars. For relaxation, he was enchanted with Brazilian music—listening to and watching videos of artists like Carlos Jobim, Milton Nascimiento, and Flora Purim. But his favorite pop singer was Xuxa (Maria de Graca Xuxa Meneghel)—whose songs and programs brought him most joy on a daily basis. His favorite Xuxu video was Ilarie—a happy and upbeat performance by this artist. The song ends with Manuel’s cherished translated lyrics—“Keep it up. Don’t fall behind. Jump and play because it’s the hour. Our fun, our fun, will never die.” It would bring a daily smile to Manuel.

Manuel is preceded in death by his parents, Ramon Sánchez Sr. and Marina González Sánchez; brother-in-law, Jimmy Pérez; and Ricardo Sánchez Jr. He is survived by his brother Raymond Sánchez Jr. (Rosie Jaime Sánchez) of Corpus Christi; brother, Ricardo Sánchez (Carmen Alvarez Sánchez) of Corpus Christi; brother, Mike Sánchez of Brownsville, Texas; sister, Deborah Sánchez Pérez of Corpus Christi; Nieces: Marina Haubelt, Keila Clark, Rebekah Gaona, Yliana Carlisle, Marisa Beaty, Teresa Sánchez, Brenda Morton, Kimberly Ramírez, Alexis Sánchez, and Melody Thomas; and Nephews: Raymond A. Sánchez, and Michael Pérez.

The family wishes to express its gratitude to Raymond and Rosie Sánchez; Deborah Pérez; and Ricardo and Carmen Sánchez for their love and care of Manuel during the last five years of his life. In addition, the family is most grateful to his loving, dedicated, and professional care providers: Verónica Martínez, Francisca Borjas, Janie Puentes, Priscella DelaGarza, Verna Yanez, Lydia (“Smiley”) Escochea, Victoria Gómez, and Esmer Aguero. These were his “angels on earth” and became part of his extended family—often referring to Manuel as their “grandpa.”

Meme, as he was fondly called by his parents and siblings, we love you and miss you. Dear brother, rest in peace. We will always cherish your kindness and generosity to all of our family, including your loyal care providers. Adiós nuestro hermano.

Services to commemorate and honor Manuel’s life will be held at Funeraria Del Angel—Memorial Holly located at 3442 Holly Road, Corpus Christi, Texas on Friday, March 17, 2023 at 6:30 PM. Visitation begins at 4:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations in his memory to support the ministry of La Segunda Iglesia Bautista located at 5405 Carroll Lane, Corpus Christi, 78415, 361.852.0919.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.FunerariaDelAngelMHolly.com for the Sanchez family.