Tony Sanchez

Tony Sanchez peacefully passed away in the presence of family on July 20, 2026, at the age of 100 years, 5 months, 15 days. He was born on 02/05/1926, in Dawson, New Mexico. His family moved to Cokedale, CO and Tony grew up there as an only child.

Tony enlisted in the US Navy in 1944 at age 18 and fought as a WWII Combat Veteran on the USS Sperry (AS-12) Fulton-Class Submarine Tender ship.

He worked at Gates Rubber Company from 1950-1983, working up from factory worker sweeping floors to retiring as Assistant Director of the Employee Assistance Program.

Tony was actively involved in Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and maintained his sobriety for over 50 years. He was also involved with Disabled American Veterans, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and many post-retirement jobs, notably as an AA Corrections Volunteer Counselor. Tony was an avid golfer and a consistent participant in square and round dancing.

He was preceded in death by his parents Maria Feliciana Sanchez (Gonzales), Jose Melacio Sanchez, his wife Alberta Lavern Sanchez (Heimer), daughter Mary Louise Sanchez (Fears), and step son in law John Albert Walker III.

He is survived by his children Mary Helen, Samuel, Antoinette, Michael, Beverly, and step children Bruce, Ted, Jim, and Barbara, also children’s spouses, many grandchildren, great grandchildren, great, great grandchildren and endless friends.

The family would like to thank the Veterans Community Living Center at Fitzsimons and their entire staff for the care and compassion they showed Tony for the last 4 years.

Family and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life at Advantage Runyan-Stevenson 6425 W Alameda Ave Lakewood CO 80226 on Tuesday August 18, 2026, at 8:30 am.

Interment to follow at Ft. Logan National Cemetery 3698 S Sheridan Blvd. promptly at 11:00 AM. Meet at staging area Red, through the North Gate entrance by 10:45 AM.

In Lieu of flowers please consider making a donation in Tony Sanchez’s honor to the Trinidad CO Chapter of AA by sending a check or money order to Trinidad Alano Club P.O. Box 1060 Trinidad CO 81082.

For more information or to post memories or photos please go to: AdvantageRunyuan-Stevenson.com you may also visit the Veterans Legacy Memorial at https://www.vlm.cem.va.gov/TONYSANCHEZ/ad2458