Obituary of Uncle Joe Sanchez

Jose C. Sanchez (Uncle Joe) - 1924 to 2020 was born in San Antonio, TX.  He was 95 years old and was the last of the eight children born to Fermin and Crespina Sanchez of Austin, Texas. 

Uncle Joe, a long-time resident of Austin, TX, is survived by 18 nieces and nephews and 76 great-nieces and nephews and 17 great, great nieces and nephews. 

As one of the few remaining World War II Veterans, Uncle Joe went to serve his country as a Soldier in the United States Army Special Forces at the age of 19 years old.   Soldiers in the Special Forces were uniquely trained for special operations in warfare and were assigned to specific missions that typically required a rapid response to worldwide critical situations. 

Reflecting on his WWII experience, Uncle Joe said that he and his company were among the first to land on the beaches in the Pacific where the Japanese were in combat with the Filipinos.  Uncle Joe said his job was to not only liberate as many POWs but also to save as many lives of the Filipino hostages. 

As Uncle Joe described the unforgettable casualties and sufferings he saw during his combat, he was asked about how he felt about the War and going into unchartered territory, knowing that he could die.  Uncle Joe said that when you have a purpose that is for the greater good, you don’t think about dying.  He said he felt it was an honor to serve his Country and to do his duty to fight for freedom so that people in this world could live in peace.

After coming back from the War, Uncle Joe went to work for the Austin American Statesman Newspaper Company where he worked for 36 years.  While at the American Statesman, he served as a Photographer and a Special Events Coordinator.  One of his most memorable events he coordinated was when he scheduled Elvis Presley for a concert.  Uncle Joe said at that time, Elvis was just beginning to gain popularity.  He said that before Elvis took stage at the Coliseum on South 1^st street, he told Elvis to not be nervous, but to just go out there, do his thing and shake it up. 

Uncle Joe will always be remembered for his great uplifting spirit, his heartwarming smile and for the unconditional love he had for his family.   But above all, Uncle Joe will be remembered for his love of God and for his unwavering devotion in serving the Church and community at Our Lady of Guadalupe. 

We will all miss our beloved Uncle Joe.

The family wishes to thank Heart-to-Heart Hospice as well as the Nurses and Doctors from the Austin Veteran’s Administration Hospital for the care they provided.  Additionally the family would also like to thank the Gray family with Clayworks Pottery Shop and all the members from Our Lady of Guadalupe Church for the love they shared with Uncle Joe throughout the years.  Lastly, with the utmost heartfelt thanks, the cousins would like to extend a special thank you to Uncle Joe’s nephew Michael Cantu who served as Uncle Joe’s primary caregiver.   God Bless! 

Visitation will be held from 8:00-10:00 a.m., Thursday, October 15, 2020 at Mission Funeral Home - East Side, 1615 E. Cesar Chavez St., Austin, Texas.

Recitation of Holy Rosary will begin at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, October 15, 2020 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, 1206 E. 9th St., Austin, Texas.  Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00 a.m. and burial with Military Honors will follow Mass at Assumption Cemetery, 3650 S. IH 35 Frontage Rd., Austin, Texas.

Due to the Coronavirus /  COVID-19 Restrictions from the City of Austin,

capacity levels are restricted at funeral homes, churches, and cemeteries.

Each person entering the funeral home, church, and cemetery will be required to wear a mask

and to practice social distancing of 6 feet or more.   If you are ill or are concerned about the virus,

it is recommended that you not attend services. 

The family is so grateful to everyone for their understanding, love, and support

during this very difficult time.