Abel Sanchez Sr., 85, died peacefully in his home surrounded by his loved ones on March 17, 2018 in Waco, TX. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m., March 21, 2018, at Sacred Heart Catholic, and he will be buried shortly after at Oakwood Cemetery with a reception to follow at the Sacred Heart Catholic Center. Reverend Carlo Benjamin Magnaye officiating. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Abel’s life.
From very early on, Abel went to work to help support and provide for his family. He instilled in his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren to always work and do your best in all you do. He worked in the fields hauling hay, to which he attributes his big muscles and his ability to catch the eye of the love of his life, Lorenza. The two married in 1953 in Waco, TX and together they celebrated 64 years of marriage and in that time raised 5 children, 11 grandchildren, and 10 great grandchildren. His family brought him his great joy and he always welcomed them with open arms, a great big smile, and big ol’ kiss.
His second greatest joy was sports. He was an avid sports fan, always watching whatever sports were on television; his favorite teams were the Texas Rangers, the Dallas Cowboys, and the Baylor Bears. He was lucky enough to marry a woman who shared the same love of sports so that’s how they spent a lot of their time together. We attribute his love of sports later in life because in his younger years, he was considered to be one of the greatest baseball players, but more specifically, one of the greatest baseball pitchers in Waco, TX. Along with many accolades he enjoyed and earned in his great athletic career, we added one more honor to his list by inducting him into our very own, Sanchez Hall of Fame for being our MVP. He started his career by playing for TPL, the Bellmead Braves, and finally the Waco Missions. He loved sharing those memories with his family and how he raised his children out on the ball field.
Abel enlisted in the Army in 1954 and proudly served his country in the Korean War. He worked for General Tire for a few years before moving on to drive a truck for Central Freight Line for 25 years. He was the first hispanic long haul driver to work for the company. He was honored with the Safe Driver Award and he was recognized as a Million Mile Driver before retiring in 1995. He was proud of the opportunity that this company provided for him. He was able to provide for his family and he was able to see the country.
Abel had a true servant’s heart, always giving his time, talents, and hard work to many organizations that were very dear to him. He was a long time member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church and was a member of the Apostolado for several years. He served his children’s schools by being the president of the PTA at St. Francis where his children went to school. He was a member of the Waco Missions.
In his final days, he was surrounded by his family at home. He was able to spend time with his friends and family eating all of his favorite foods-plenty of good food which he loved, and sharing memories of the past. We greatly appreciate the love, encouragement, and services provided by Shirley, Shelle, Brenda, and Ann with the Providence Hospice team. Thank you from all of the family for making his last days with us so special.
Abel is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Lorenza Sanchez; his daughters Virginia Barbosa and husband, Joe, of Temple, TX; Beatrice Rogers of Waco, TX; and his sons Abel Sanchez Jr. and wife, Jennifer, of Robinson, TX; Robert Sanchez and wife, Josie, of Round Rock, TX; Alfred Sanchez and wife, Mary, of Pflugerville, TX. He’s also leaving behind 11 grandchildren: Christina, Carlos, Amanda, Marshall, Angelica, Charlie, Abel III(Tre), Orlando, Joel, Andrew, and Jeremy. His great grandchildren, Janessa, Shelbi, Mariah, Gabriella, Liam, Kennedy, Benjamin, Casey, Jeremy Jr., and Landan. He is also survived by his sisters, Petra, Marcella, Lydia, Isabel, Mary Lou, and his brother, Braulio. He is preceded in death by his parents, Hilario and Angelita Sanchez and his brothers, Jose Guadalupe, Lazaro, Hilario, and Frank.
Pallbearers: Grandsons: Carlos Barbosa, Marshall Sanchez, Charles Davila, Abel Sanchez III(Tre), Orlando Sanchez, Joel Sanchez, Andrew Sanchez, Jeremy Sanchez, Santiago Ochoa, and Ruben Garcia. Honorary Pallbearers: Granddaughters and great grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 2621 Bagby Ave. Waco, TX 76711.
