Tomas R. Sanchez Jr.

May 27, 1942 - October 1, 2019
Tomas R.   Sanchez Jr. thumbnail
 
Fred Dickey Funeral & Cremation Services
Melisa Solis
Hans Nunemaker Light a candle

Obituary

Tomas Reymundo Sanchez Jr., lifetime Laredoan, died at the age of 77 on Tuesday, October 1, 2019 at his home.

Tom Sanchez is deeply loved and will be missed by his surviving family: wife, Janice Sanchez, children: Brandy T. (Tony) Ramos, Megan M. (Benjamin) Solis, and Sean (Stefania) Sanchez; his siblings Diana (Juan) Marinez and Sandra Sanchez Gray; known as Grandpa to: Tristan, Shariden, Preston, Addison Solis; Miguel and Isabel Ramos, Sutton Sanchez; and numerous cousins. Tom made friends wherever he went and was a beloved member of the Laredoan Community.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents Tomas R. Sanchez Sr. and Consuelo Sanchez. He was a proud descendant of Don Tomas Sanchez Barrera, one of the founding fathers of Laredo, TX. Tom attended St. Joseph’s Academy and graduated from Martin High School. He enlisted in the Army and was an honored member of the 101st Airborne. He graduated from East Texas State University with a B.A. in Finance. He had a diverse professional life that included roles as an Army paratrooper, newspaper journalist and editor with the Laredo Morning Times, radio talk show personality, and one of the oldest persons to graduate from the Laredo Police Academy.

He was a man who praised intellect and loved a lively debate. He had a life-long passion for the study of history and religious philosophy. He was educated by the Marist brothers which led to his long standing study of Jesuit principles and his visceral convictions upholding the significance of nurturing the whole person, which he passed on to his children. He had a profoundly positive impact on the lives of his children and Laredo Community. Tom Sanchez could be characterized as a friend to everyone.

A memorial service will be held in his honor at Christ Church Episcopal, 2320 Lane St., on Saturday October 5, 2019 starting at 10:30 am.

Funeral arrangements are by Fred Dickey Funeral & Cremation Services, 1320 Trey Dr., Laredo, TX 78041, (956) 723-3611. You may leave condolences to the family online at www.freddickey.com

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Service Schedule

Service Information

Date: Saturday, October 5, 2019

Time: 10:30 am

Christ Church Episcopal

Address:

2320 Lane St
Laredo, TX 78043

Cemetery Information

Cremation Associates of Laredo

Address:

1320 Trey Dr.
Laredo, Texas 78041

 

Life Event Timeline

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Timeline for Tomas R. Sanchez Jr.

Born: May 27, 1942
 
January 1, 1911
Airborne!
Airborne!
Died: October 1, 2019

Condolences for Tomas R. Sanchez Jr.

Fred Dickey Funeral & Cremation Services

Our sincere condolences.

The staff of Fred Dickey Funeral & Cremation Services.

 

SCOTT "El Tigre" posted on 3/3/20

I just heard of Tom's passing, and I'm sad. Don Tomas Sanchez - A leader, intelligent, and a great sense of humor! Yes, he certainly was a descendant of Spanish nobility! - the whole family is talented and gifted. If this were the middle ages instead of the 21st century . . . Tom would've been a crusading knight, with a castle on a hilltop, a fair lady as his bride, and he'd be off fighting Saracens or slaying dragons. Tom was larger than life - for sure. Oftentimes he was as ornery and cantankerous as a rabid bobcat.I'm glad I had the opportunity to know Tom and work with him -- he was my boss all those years ago. Tough as nails -- with a heart of gold -- We are argued, we fought, sometimes feelings were mean. After a bad scrape, we'd get up off the ground dust ourselves off, shake hands . . . and we were buds again. Great man. Fascinating man. True patriot. I'm a better person having known him. Rest easy noble warrior. Catch you in the afterlife . . .

 

Cordelia Flores posted on 10/6/19

My heartfelt condolences to the Sanchez family for you loss. After many years of not seeing him, about two weeks ago I happened to briefly see and talk to Tom outside of HEB. Tom was full of life and his wit was as sharp as ever. In a second he came up with a serious-sounding comment targeting my passion for the pro-life cause, and I could not help but bust out laughing with him and at myself for taking his comment so seriously when I first heard it. I also will not forget Tom's kindness when my father, Oscar L. Casso, who had been his father's friend and golf buddy, passed away in 1985. Tom was an excellent journalist and when my father died, I visited him at the offices of The Laredo News because he had asked me to take him a picture of my dad, I will never forget the beautiful article he wrote about my late father. It was written with great journalistic skill and I believe also with the love of a true friend of our family It is with shock and sadness that I learned of Tom's untimely passing, and I send my condolences and prayers tor Tom and the the lovely family he leaves behind. Oscar, my son, also sends his condolences to Sean Sanchez with whom he used to be on the tennis team at United High School. Oscar remembers Mr. Tom Sanchez very well because he was always a great supporter of the team and of his son, Sean.

 

Rachel and Margie Ibarra posted on 10/5/19

Our deepest condolences to all the family. Tom was a great and honorable man I had the pleasure of working with. May our Lord give you the comfort you need during this great loss to you and our community.

 

Raul A. Martinez posted on 10/5/19

Although I left the DA's office 16 years ago, I vividly and affectionately remember my daily lunches with two grumpy old men, Tom Sanchez and Louie Zapata. The discussions were always entertaining; Tom would always end up saying he was right. Through the last 16 years, we ran into each other, sporadically. The last time I saw Tom was at the doctor's office; the conversation was as if we had never stopped seeing each other. We spoke at length, reminiscing about the good old days at the DA's office. I am saddened by his passing, but know that he is peacefully resting in the arms of our Lord. My prayers are with his family during this time of sorrow.~Raul A. Martinez

 

Quiroz FAMILY posted on 10/4/19

Sanchez Family, our deepest CONDOLENCES for YOU ALL. TOM was an AWESOME & SINCERE FRIEND.

 

Melisa Solis posted on 10/4/19

My condolences to the whole family. We know how much Tom is loved and will be missed.

 

Hans Nunemaker posted on 10/4/19

Always used to rib Tom about sounding more like Johnny Cash than Johnny Cash himself.

 

Hans Nunemaker posted on 10/4/19

Tom, My fellow paratrooper brother... You've now made your final jump onto the eternal dropzone in the sky. A whole new set of wings now. Rest well, and see you soon. Gonna miss you, buddy. Airborne! Hans

 

Adriana B. Nunemaker posted on 10/4/19

Dear Mrs. Sanchez and sons and daughters, My husband Hans and I extend our heartfelt condolences to all of you. Tom was an incredible human being. I always enjoyed talking to him. He was truly one of a kind. WE will miss him dearly. But, we are comforted with the memories of our time with him...May he rest in peace. May God send you comfort and peace during this painful time. You are in our prayers. Sincerely, Adriana B. Nunemaker

 

Alberto Martinez,jr posted on 10/3/19

RIP PESADO MY PARTNER AT THE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT. ALTHOUGH SAD AT YOUR PASSING, I WILL ALWAYS SMILE AND LAUGH REMEMBERING ALL THE FUNNY THINGS WE DID. MY SON POLLITO STATIONED IN THE NAVY IN HAWAII WAS SADDENED TO HEAR OF YOUR PASSING. WE KNOW THAT YOU ARE AT THE RIGHT SIDE OF OUR LORD. YOUR FRIEND ALWAYS CHIEF ALBERTO "POLLO" MARTINEZ

 

John Dickinson posted on 10/3/19

He may have been known as Tete to many, but to me he was always Tommy -- a dear friend whom I respected and loved. Like many others, we would have almost daily discussions about some religious or other social subject by email. I admired his way of expressing his logic in a most articulate, astute way. I will miss him greatly -- his smarts, his humor, his kindness, his friendship. He rests in peace. I look forward to our next discussion. God bless, Tommy. --Johnny.

 

Deanna Longoria posted on 10/3/19

My sincerest condolences go to Diana and all of Tete’s family. I had not seen Tete for many years until a Ursuline-St Joe Reunion a few years ago. He was easy to converse with, having interesting view points on so many topics. It was as if we had resumed a recent conversation. He was a special gentleman. May he enjoy the peace of his eternal home....Deanna Longoria. Class of 1960.

 

Estella Rodriguez posted on 10/3/19

My sincerest condolences to Tom's family and friends. I worked with Tom at Laredo Morning Times for several years. We had a great working relationship. My most memorable moments were seeing Tom rush out of the newsroom and fly off on his motorcycle to cover some big breaking story. I also remember him making it a practice to learn a new word a day and finding a way to use it in a conversation that day. He will never be forgotten. May he rest in peace.

 

DAVID N. LONGORIA posted on 10/3/19

Although I haven't seen Tete since I moved to Houston in 1970, I remember him well and knew him as a friend. My condolences to his family.

 

Tessie Medina-Cantu posted on 10/3/19

My sincerest condolences to Tom's family. There wasn't a single person Tom couldn't make smile! His humor was infectious and he will be deeply missed by many. Tom was definitely one of a kind. Rest in peace Tom.

 

David I. I. Martinez posted on 10/3/19

Tete, we will miss you at the Luby's Wednesday Lunch Group even though lately you had not been attending. You always brought a sense of humor and debating points from your Democrat perspective to the Republican followers in the group. Can't believe it, two of the "Green Street Kids" are now with the Lord. Give Ricardo a.k.a. Chencho a big hug from the Lunch Group. Rest in peace Tete.

 

Homero Martinez posted on 10/3/19

I'll miss my good friend Tete...You are with the Lord..

 

Doyle G Holdridge posted on 10/2/19

My sincere condolences to the family of Tom Sanchez. He always kept things interesting and brought a smile to those around him!

 

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