Castulo Sanchez, age 93, of Del Rio, Texas passed away on Wednesday, February 1, 2017 in San Antonio, Texas. Born to Andres and Josefa Sanchez on March 26, 1923 in Allende, Mexico, he came to the United States as a child and grew up in Pumpville, Texas. He had a fantastic memory and was a great story teller. The life experiences he shared about growing up in Pumpville/Langtry, Texas and his war stories will always be cherished. He worked on ranches as a young boy, later for the Southern Pacific Railroad in the Langtry area and after WWII at a cannery in California. After returning to Del Rio, Texas, Castulo worked as a mechanic for Dotson Automotive and went on to become Parts Manager at Lakeway Buick from which he retired.
During World War II, he joined the Army Air Corps (1943 – 1946) and fought in the Pacific Theater with the 1st Radio Squadron, Mobile. He was in battle at Sou Philippines (Liberation) and Luzon. After Japan surrendered, he was part of the military force that marched into Tokyo. During the war, he earned the following citations: American Theater Campaign Medal, Asiatic Pacific Theater Campaign w/2 Bronze Stars, Philippine Liberation Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Victory Ribbon, 1Service Strip, and 2 Overseas Service Bars. He was very proud of his country and for the privilege to serve and defend the United States. He returned to Langtry to marry the girl next door, Maria Luisa Ramirez on September 19,1948. They shared 68 years of marriage and together raised 9 children. He was a true believer in tough discipline, obtaining an education and was an extremely hard worker who instilled these same values to his children. He was a devoted son, husband, father, and steadfast advisor who was quick witted and had a great sense of humor.
Castulo is preceded in death by his parents, brother Odilon Sanchez and sister Petra Zapata. He is survived by his wife, Maria Luisa, his 9 children, Richard (Cheryl) Sanchez, Berta (Pedro) Rodriguez, Irma (Alfredo) Sanchez, Roberto (Myrna) Sanchez, Ana (Samuel) Gonzalez, Delia (Jack) Byles, Lydia (Michael) Burch, Castulo (Diane) Sanchez Jr., and Monica (Marco) Cruz. He is also survived by his brother, Octaviano Sanchez of Oceanside, California, sister, Guadalupe Cantu of Rosenberg, Texas and Margarita Hernandez of Del Rio Texas. He will also be sorely missed by his 25 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren, 1 great-great grandchild, and numerous nieces and nephews.
We, his family, feel truly blessed to have had Castulo in our lives. He taught us many of life lessons by example; the importance of faith, love, integrity, persistence, hard work and humor. We love you and will miss your laugh and how you savored every moment of life, especially time with your family. We give thanks to God for granting your time with us. Eternal rest, grant unto him O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon him.
Celebration of his life will include a Holy Rosary on Monday, February 13, 2017, 7 p.m. at Sunset Funeral Chapel at 1701 Austin Highway, San Antonio, Texas. Celebration mass will be on Tuesday, February 14, 2017at 9:30 a.m. at St. Thomas More Catholic Church , 4411 Moana Drive, San Antonio, Texas. Burial will follow at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, 1520 Harry Wurzbach Road, San Antonio, Texas. Arrangements under the direction of Sunset Funeral Home, San Antonio, TX.
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