Fernando Gustavo Sanchez Jr.

Gus is survived by his beloved wife Juli Sanchez of Santa Teresa, New Mexico, daughter Mindi Moran of Santa Teresa, New Mexico, son Ethan Moran of Hesson, Kansas, four siblings and their spouses: Laura and Hilton Queton of Round Rock, Alma and Owen Campbell of Houston, Jerry Sanchez of Edinburg, George and Nina Sanchez of San Antonio; three nephews Lance and Melvin Queton of Austin, Maximus Sanchez of San Antonio and niece Alexa Campbell of Houston. He was preceded in death by his parents Fernando “Gus” Sanchez and Mary Obregon Sanchez and one brother Xavier Omar Sanchez.

Gus graduated with honors from McAllen High School in 1976 and went on to study biology and chemistry at Pan American University. After working for several years as a store manager for the Kroger Company, Gus embarked on a new career as a park ranger at Big Bend National Park and worked his way up through the park service. He worked at several other national parks such as Yosemite National Park in California, L.B.J. National Park in Johnson City and served as Acting Superintendent at Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument in Montana before accepting his most recent position as Superintendent of Chamizal National Memorial in El Paso and Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument in New Mexico. Gus loved the park service and worked for many years advocating for the services they provide for the nation.

Gus met Juli through the park service while living in Johnson City and they were married in El Paso on October 10, 2013. He always told his family that he had dreamed of her in 1979 and his dream came true. As a couple, they enjoyed hiking, traveling to Santa Fe, spending time together, and trying out different restaurants. Gus was a member of the Kiowa Tia Piah Society of Carnegie, OK and enjoyed preserving the Kiowa Culture through song and dance. He loved history, crime drama, and working on beadwork for his dance clothes.

A memorial service for Gus will be announced at a later date.