Sgt. Edward "Eddie" Sanchez

Sgt. Edward Sanchez, a proud U.S. Marine, decorated Vietnam Veteran, bar owner, bread man, postman, and lawn perfectionist, received his final set of orders on July 10, 2025. He stood tall every day of his life—even though he was short in stature. That earned him nicknames like “Satch” or, with affection and awe, “Little Eddie.” He wore both with pride and a wink.

Born in Mission, Texas, Eddie left high school to join the Marine Corps and turned 18 while already in uniform. He served with distinction in Vietnam, earning two Bronze Stars with Valor, Navy Commendation, and a Purple Heart. But more than medals, it was the mission, surviving “the Siege of Khe-Sanh”—the brotherhood and discipline—that shaped him. Though honorably discharged in 1969, he never stopped being a Marine. “Once a Marine, always a Marine” was not just a motto—it was a way of life.

His civilian career spanned bread delivery (Sunbeam and Mrs. Baird’s), the U.S. Postal Service, and owning not one, but two bars. Whether carrying a sack of mail or pouring drinks, he brought grit, humor, and heart.

Eddie deeply loved his country. As part of the Houston Honor Guard, he honored over 10,000 fallen veterans with military rites. He didn’t do it for awards—he did it because it was right, no matter rain, sleet, or snow.

He was a fan of western movies (especially with John Wayne), loved the ID Channel, and the Astros games. Satch enjoyed 25 years of motorcycle rides with the Marine Motorcycle Club. Eddie also enjoyed family vacations, cruises, and RV trips. His lawn was maintained with military precision. Every blade of grass had its place—and Eddie made sure it knew it.

Meticulous, opinionated, and delightfully stubborn, he gave generously, served faithfully, and told stories that could make you laugh, cry, or both at once. If you didn’t need advice, he gave it anyway—because that’s what Eddie did.

Eddie was given the name Satch in the military and carried the name pridefully through his journey in life. He gave fully, loved deeply, and stood ready always.

Eddie was preceded in death by his parents, Rosalio and Clara Sanchez; brothers, Carlos Sanchez, Gilbert Sanchez, Luis Sanchez, and Roy Sanchez.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Dana Velasquez - Sanchez; daughter, Yvonne M. Sanchez Nava; son, Eduardo R. Sanchez and wife, Ibet; grandchildren, Ariel Nava, Haleigh Hernandez, Rayna Nava Bashans, Camila Sanchez, Emelia Sanchez, Eduardo Sanchez; great grandchildren, Josiah Fernandez, Lucille Hernandez; sisters, Ofelia Sanchez, Martha Sanchez Villegas; along with many other loving relatives, countless friends, fellow veterans, and Marines who were proud to call him brother.

You are a true Hero. Semper Fi, Marine. You’ve earned your rest.

Visitation will be held on July 16, 2025, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm at American Heritage Funeral Home, 10710 Veterans Memorial Drive, Houston, TX 77038,

A Celebration of Life will take place on July 17, 2025, from 10:00 am to 10:45 am.

The Committal Service will be held on July 17, 2025, from 11:15 am to 11:45 am at Houston National Cemetery, 10410 Veterans Memorial Dr, Houston, TX 77038.