Cayetano Sanchez Jr

Cayetano Sanchez Jr. So caring, giving, and kind, Cayetano Sanchez Jr. was called home to his heavenly Father on Sunday, October 12, 2014. A loving husband, son, brother, father, grandfather, uncle, cousin, and friend, he passed in peace surrounded by his loving family. A gracious, loving, and spiritual man, he was full of spirit and courage to live. He was born in Laredo on April 5, 1926 to Cayetano and Carmen Gonzalez Sanchez. In June of 1944, while still in high school, he was drafted into the Navy. His service during World War II, on the U.S.S. Kittson, began his nearly three decades in military service. After his discharge from the Navy he returned home and attended Laredo Junior College. He was called back for active duty during the Korean conflict and he continued to serve his country in the Army as an Artillery Specialist until 1972, when he was discharged as a 1st Sgt. He served in WWII, Korea, and Vietnam, where he served two tours of duty. He was awarded many medals for valor and courage, including: the Bronze Star Medal (with 2 bronze oak leaf clusters with the letter “V” device), the Good Conduct Medal (5th award), the American Campaign Medal, the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal (with 1 bronze star), the World War II Victory Medal, the Army of Occupation Medal (with Germany clasp), the National Defense Service Medal (with 1 bronze service star), the Vietnam Service Medal (with 4 bronze service stars with 1 silver service star), the Philippine Liberation Ribbon, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Ribbon with Device (1960), the Honorable Service Lapel Button WWII, the Expert Badge (with Auto Rifle Bar), and the Marksman Badge (with Carbine Bar). After retiring and returning from bravely serving his country, he worked for Kraus Import/Export and then for Don Neher’s Engine Service until his retirement. Active in his community, he was a little league coach along with his uncle Jose “Pepe” Moreno. They represented the National Little League of the Boys Club of Laredo for years. In addition, he was a member of the VFW. He was an avid athlete and sports fan. He played semi-professional baseball with the Texarkana Red River Prides for a short time. An outstanding swimmer, he also served as a lifeguard at a young age. A man of God, he lived his “cursillo” in 1975. He was an active member of San Luis Rey Church, where he enjoyed participating in bingo, the Saturday morning rosary, and various other church activities. He also belonged to the Holy Name Society (since his early years), the Catholic War Veterans, and the Guadalupanas & Sacred Heart Association. Cayetano was preceded in death by his parents Cayetano and Carmen Gonzalez Sanchez; his brothers Ricardo, Enrique, Fernando, and baby Fernando Sanchez; his sister Guadalupe Velasquez; and his sister-in-law Juanita Sanchez. His family was his greatest happiness. He leaves behind his loyal and loving companion of 58 years, his wife Concepcion “Conchita” Sanchez. Left to cherish his memory are his beloved children: Vivian (Victor) Garcia, Cayetano “Guy” (Joan) Sanchez III, Daniel (Rose) Sanchez, Rodolfo (Gloria) Sanchez, and Veronica Sanchez. He also leaves behind the grandchildren he loved: Laura (CY Benavides III) Garcia, Linda (Alejandro) Garcia, Cynthia (Ricky) Castillo-Colson, Catherine Castillo, Christina, Cassandra, Daniel, Eric, Clarissa, Lydia, Cayetano “Little Guy” IV, Camelia, Diana, Eva, Marina, and Paloma Sanchez. Cayetano also leaves behind his brother Ricardo’s children who thought of him as a second father: Ricardo (Maria), Rosaura (Manuel), Reynaldo (Emma), Roberto (Brenda), Rosario, Raquel (David), and Rosalina (Antonio). He is also survived by his sister Ramona Coy; his brothers-in-law Manuel (Evelia) Aguilar, Hector (Oralia) Aguilar, Carlos (Blanca)Aguilar, Alberto (Cruz) Aguilar, Rodolfo (Elisa) Aguilar; his sisters-in-law Maria de los Angeles Sanchez, Ofelia Aguilar, and Maria Aracelia Aguilar; and countless nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and friends. The family would like to express their thanks to his caregiver Margarita, the nurses and doctors who assisted in his care, Rocha Home Health, and LMC Home Health. Visitation will be held Wednesday, October 15, 2014 beginning at 5:00 p.m. and ending at 9:00 p.m. A rosary by the Guadalupanas of San Luis Rey will begin at 5:00 p.m., and immediately after, another rosary will be recited by the C.D.A. Court St. Mary Magdalene No. 1989. The rosary offered by San Luis Rey Church will be recited at 7:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held at Hillside Funeral Home on Thursday, October 16, 2014, with a 9:30 a.m. departure from the funeral home and a 10:00 a.m. mass at San Luis Rey Church. Interment will follow in the family plot at Calvary Catholic Cemetery. Pallbearers will be: Cayetano III, Daniel, and Rodolfo Sanchez; Victor Garcia, Ricardo Sanchez Jr., Reynaldo Sanchez, Gerardo Castillo, and Ricky Colson. Full military honors will be provided. If you would like to sign the guestbook or send private condolences, you may do so at www.hillsidefuneral.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Hillside Funeral Home, 310 Hillside Road.