Elias was born in McKinney and spent his early childhood on a farm. He was very proud that he served in World War II in the US Army, from 1943 until 1945. After basic training in California, he was sent to Washington state to become a rifle instructor. He was then deployed to the Aleutian Islands and the Philippine Islands. When he returned, he married the love of his life, Robbie Nell Chandler. They later moved and settled in Dallas, Oak Cliff, Texas. There they raised 3 children. Eli started working as a ditch digger and was soon offered a position at EBASCO Services Engineering firm, where he trained as a rodman and soon advanced his way to field engineer. He was highly respected and in demand throughout his career. His skills were vital in the construction of multiple electrical power plants, high rise buildings, and other construction endeavors. After his retirement, he continued to work part time until he was 80 years old.
Eli was a loving and devoted husband, son, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. He was passionate about family, music, dancing, sports and outdoors. He will be remembered for sharing his wisdom and his love for life.
Upon his passing, Elias was surrounded by his family at his residence in Grand Prairie. He is preceded in death by his above named parents; brothers Willie, Daniel, Andrew, Joe, Jessie, ; sisters Beatrice Yougas, Rosie Sanchez, Antonia Garza and Mary Garza; son, Miguel "Mike" Sanches, Johnny Urbano; and grandson, Eddie Urbano.
He is survived by sisters Delores Ramirez, Frances Rangel, Uvelia Sanchez, Elia Turner and his youngest brother, Manuel Sanchez; son, Danny Sanches; daughter, Judy Sanches Hosford, grandchildren; Barry Alan, Jason, Micah, Erikk, Lori and Lani Hosford and Lisa Hosford Michta, Shawn and Justin Sanches, Amanda Sanches Warren, Jessica McCranie, Mario Urbano and 22 great-grandchildren.
A Visitation for seniors and people with delicate health will take place on Wednesday, June 24, from 2:00pm-4:00pm; for all other guests, a second visitation will take place Wednesday evening from 7:00pm-9:00pm at Grand Prairie Funeral Home in the Chapel, located at 733 Dalworth St, Grand Prairie, TX 75050. A Funeral service will take place on Thursday, June 25th at 11:00am, following by a committal service at DFW National Cemetery, located at 2000 Mountain Creek, Pkwy, Dallas, TX 75211
*Per Dallas county orders, all guests MUST wear a mask before entering and wear the mask the entire time during their visit. Guests will not be allowed inside if a mask is not worn. Thank you for your understanding.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.grandprairiefh.com for the Sanches family.
PALLBEARERS
Jason HosfordActive Pallbearer
Micah HosfordActive Pallbearer
Erikk HosfordActive Pallbearer
Shawn SanchesActive Pallbearer
Justin SanchesActive Pallbearer
Jacob WarrenActive Pallbearer
Patrick YoungHonorary Pallbearer
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