Fernando Garcia Sanchez, entered eternal life on Wednesday, December 22, 2021 at his home in Santa Teresa, NM surrounded by his wife, children and grandchildren. He was born May 15, 1952 in Torreon, Coahuila, Mexico to Manuel and Antonia Garcia Sanchez
Fernando came from humble beginnings and grew up in San Miguel, NM. He found a love for all things athletic at a very young age. That love inspired a legacy that included a sensational, yet brief, amateur career, and eventually a much longer, and more successful coaching career. He also inspired and nurtured generations of students throughout his 35+ years as a middle and high school teacher. His greatest achievement, however, was that of a loving husband to his wife of 49 years, a father to his two children and eventually, as “Papa” when he became a grandfather.
As a husband, he was supportive, loving, and eventually learned the golden rule, “Whatever Mama says, goes.” As a devoted father he taught his children they were capable of changing the world and he spoiled them with love and affection.
As “Papa” he was ever-present - you could find him at every single game, ceremony, and little moment in between. He never failed to tell his grandchildren he loved them. They will forever remember to end their phone calls to each other with, “I love you”.
Papa taught his family to love each other, cheesy jokes, UTEP athletics, a good parking spot, red enchiladas and great music.
Those left to cherish his memory include his wife Manuela and daughter Ann Marie Sanchez of Santa Teresa, NM, his son Fernando (Marcie) of Hatch, NM, his grandsons Joshua Ruelas, Andrew and Julian Segura, Nicolas, Dominic and Maximus Sanchez and his one and only favorite granddaughter, Delainy Sanchez, brothers Jesus Sanchez of San Miguel, NM, and Manuel (Penny) Sanchez of Ramah, NM and his sister, Maria Ybarra of San Miguel, NM. He was preceded in death by his parents Manuel and Antonia and his brothers Antonio and Justino Sanchez.
Visitation for Mr. Sanchez will be at 5:00 pm, January 4, 2021 at Hillcrest Funeral Home- West 5054 Doniphan Dr, El Paso TX with Recitation of the Holy Rosary at 7:00pm. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 am Wednesday, January 5, 2021 at San Martin de Porres Catholic Church, 1885 McNutt Rd, Sunland Park, NM.
Serving as Pallbearers will be Fernando Sanchez, Joshua Ruelas, Andrew and Julian Segura and Nicolas and Dominic Sanchez. Honorary Pallbearer will be Delainy Sanchez.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hillcrestfhwest.com for the Sanchez family.
