John Charles Sanchez

John Charles (Johnny) Sanchez passed away on March 30, 2025, at the age of 75. Born on May 5, 1949 in Austin, Texas, Johnny was a member of the last graduating class of St. Edward’s High School in 1967 prior to its conversion to St. Edward’s University. Dedicating his life to public service, Johnny honorably served his country during the Vietnam War in the United States Air Force prior to working for our nations’ service people for over thirty years in the Department of Veterans Affairs. Johnny completed his career in his hometown Austin Parks and Recreation Department.

Sports were an integral part of Johnny’s life. He played semi-professional baseball for the Austin Aztecas and was a member of the Villa softball team. He was a respected umpire with the Austin Softball Umpires Association for over twenty-five years and served for a time as the Association’s president. As a lifelong Texan, Johnny had a particular affinity for the Dallas Cowboys, Texas Longhorns, Texas Rangers, and San Antonio Spurs. Johnny will be remembered for his quick wit, love for Texas barbecue, and vast knowledge of sports. His family and friends will miss his frequent sports updates, willingness to debate current events, and games of cards and dominos.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Abdon Galvez Sanchez and Elvira (Vera) Alvarez and his nephew, Silas Saldaña. Johnny is survived by his beloved wife of 40 years, Rachel Tello Sanchez, his two sisters, Sylvia Sanchez and Odilia (Dee) Sanchez, his son, John C. Sanchez, Jr. (Gigi), his stepson, Roland Tello (Wendy), his grandchildren, Riley Celine Sanchez, Nathan Sanchez, Talia Mernet Tello, Lyon Andres Tello, Meadeux Ava Tello, and his great-grandson, Parker Reid Sanchez, his nieces Sedreana Saldaña and Sejena Saldaña Ramirez (Juan), and close family friends Nancy Adami, Samantha Adami-Sanchez, and Lino Martinez, Jr.

Special thanks is extended to Amedisys Home Health Care, Brodie Ranch Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, and Lilian Ramoni, RN for their kind and caring treatment of Johnny during his transitional time. Additional gratitude is extended to Margaret Calderon for her kind and gentle caregiving, Lino Martinez, Jr. is appreciated for his special assistance to Johnny.

A visitation for John will be held Tuesday, April 15, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks Funeral Home, 6300 West William Cannon Drive, Austin, TX 78749. A funeral service will occur on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM, at Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks Funeral Home, followed by the graveside service.