Dr. Homero Rodolfo Sanchez

Dr. Homero Rodolfo Sanchez, Jr., 75, entered into eternal rest on September 8, 2024, in Laredo, Texas. Homer was born on July 28, 1949, the son of Homero R Sanchez Sr. and Alicia V. Sanchez. 

He attended Nixon High School, where he was in the National Honor Society, ROTC, and played the euphonium for the school band. He graduated high school in 1967 and went on to study at Laredo Junior College, where he met his future wife, Mary Esther Flores whom he'd continue to court throughout his education. 

Homer went on to complete his bachelor's degree at the University of Houston. His fascination with the mind and a desire to help others led him to pursue medicine. He was accepted into the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio, where he earned his Medical Doctorate in 1976.

After a nearly ten year courtship, Homer and Mary got married on June 12, 1976 and were blessed with three children. A shortage of psychiatric healthcare in his beloved hometown led him to return to Laredo in 1981 to establish his practice and permanent home, where he and Mary would raise their three children. 

 Up until his death, Dr. Sanchez was active in his private practice of 43 years, serving many members of his community and touching many lives. Beyond his private practice, he provided mental health services for various organizations. He worked at the Veterans Affairs Clinic from 1990 until 2016. He also provided services at the Webb County Detention Center, the Webb County Jail, A Healthy Image Counseling Services and SCAN.

Beyond his professional interests and commitments, Homer enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, watching movies or sharing a meal. He took pride and dedication in caring for his many fish and plants. He enjoyed the beauty of nature, often collecting shells, stones, seeds and leaves. He had many artistic interests including painting, macrame and baking which he shared with his children and grandchildren. 

He was a dedicated physician and a loving husband, father, grandfather and brother who demonstrated kindness, patience and compassion in all aspects of his life, leaving behind a legacy of service to others.  

He is preceded in death by his wife Mary Esther Sanchez, his parents Homero and Alicia Sanchez, and several beloved family members. 

Left behind to cherish his memory are his children: Homero (Karen Gustafson) Sanchez III, Cecilia (Kristofer Galvan) Sanchez, and Christina S. (Gregory) Blackford; grandchildren: Benicio Galvan, Christian Blackford, and Charlotte Blackford; his siblings: Sylvia Mendoza, Patricia Sanchez, Carlos J. (Anabel) Sanchez, Javier O. Sanchez, and Cynthia Sanchez; brothers and sisters-in-law: Maria Teresa (Jesus) Cavazos, Joe (Elsa) Flores, Miguel (Barbara) Flores, Tina Flores-Jackson, Angela Flores Beck, Adela Flores, Lulu (Scott Hendler) Flores, Zulie York, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and patients he treated along the way. 

The family will gather on Sunday, September 15, 2024, from 12 noon until 4 pm, at Hillside Funerals & Cremations; 310 W. Hillside Rd; Laredo, TX 78041. 

A Liturgy of Word will be held at 2 pm in the chapel by Father Salvador Pedroza.

A cremation and Memorial Mass will take place at a later date to be announced. He will be laid to rest with his beloved wife, Mary Esther at the family plot at the Calvary Catholic Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider sending donations to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI.org), the American Kidney Fund (kidneyfund.org), or The Wounded Warrior Project (woundedwarriorproject.org). 

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Hillside Funerals & Cremations; 310 W. Hillside Rd.; Laredo, TX 78041; 956.724.6060