Juan A. Sanchez Sr.

Juan Antonio Sanchez Sr. was born on June 24, 1951, in Cd, Acuna Mexico, and passed away on June 21, 2026, at the age of 74. Known as El Payo to many, but the most important people in his life had the honor of calling him Lito.

Lito’s story was one of perseverance, determination, and unwavering strength. Beginning life with very little and facing hardships that many could not begin to imagine, he built a life defined not by where he started but by the legacy he created. Through hard work, resilience and faith, he became a man admired by all who knew him.

He spent many years working as a janitor at Hendrick Medical Center, where he was known for his strong work ethic. While that was his profession, his true passion was building and restoring homes. He had a remarkable talent for seeing potential where others saw problems, and there was nothing he loved more than rolling up his sleeves and bringing an old house back to life. No job was too big, no challenge too difficult, and being told something couldn’t be done only made him even more determined to prove otherwise. Through his hands, countless houses became homes.

Beyond his work, Lito will be remembered for his sense of humor and gift for storytelling. He wasn’t always the loudest person in the room, but when he began sharing a story, everyone listened. His stories have a way of drawing people in, filling the room with laughter, wisdom, and lessons that stayed with you long after the conversation ended. He truly was his family’s foundation, and his presence brought joy to every gathering.

His greatest accomplishment was his family. The man who once had nothing built a legacy that will live on for generations. He raised three entrepreneurs, each owning and operating their own business, carrying forward the drive and ambition he instilled in them from a young age. He was a proud grandfather to eight grandchildren, whom he loved deeply and watched grow into beautiful people. He celebrated their milestones, shared their successes and left each of them with memories, lessons and love that will forever live on in their hearts.

The love of his life and his greatest companion was his wife, Rosenda. He found joy in the things that made her happy. Whether it was bringing her breakfast in the morning or taking her to see the world, he stopped at nothing to see her smile. Through every season of life, they stood side by side, building a life filled with love, sacrifice and passion.

To know Lito was to love him. The world feels a little different without him in it, but his laughter, stories, love and strength are woven into the lives of his family and friends. While there will never be another quite like him, we find comfort in knowing that a part of him lives on in each of us. Though we will miss him everyday, we are grateful for every memory and every moment we were blessed to share with him. Until we meet again, our Lito will be missed beyond words and loved beyond measure.

He is survived by his wife, Rosenda Sanchez; his sons, Juan A. Sanchez Jr and wife Andrea Sanchez, Juan Alonzo Sanchez and wife Sara L. Sanchez; and his daughter, Karina Sanchez Escobedo and husband Joseph T. Escobedo III. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Juan Kristian, Gabriela Maricel, Joseph Sanchez IV, Isabela Rose, Ella Grace, Juan Alonzo Jr, Juan Sebastian and Kamilla Anabel.

Last but not least, he is also survived by his beloved dog, Nena, who was far more than a pet. She was his constant companion, his shadow, and like a daughter to him.

A visitation for Juan will be held on Thursday, June 25, 2026, at Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home, 5701 US Highway 277 South, Abilene, Texas 79606, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., followed by a Rosary from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the same location.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, June 26, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. at Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home.