Marfa native Elias M. Sanchez, 89, of Odessa passed from this life to his eternal home on Tuesday, September 10, 2013 at Medical Center Hospital
Rosary is 7pm Friday, September 13 at Acres West Funeral Chapel, 8115 W University Blvd. in Odessa.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 9am Saturday, September 14 at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 7601 N. Grandview, Odessa, officiated by Father Prim S. Thumma. Burial, with full military honors, will be in Sunset Memorial Gardens.
Mr. Sanchez was born in Marfa on August 22, 1924 to the late Juan and Alicia (Morales) Sanchez. He married Elodia Barron in December 1948.
Elias served in the U.S. Army at Ft. Bliss in El Paso. He worked at the Rattlesnake Bomber Base in Pyote and the Marfa Army Air Field as a civilian. He also worked for the Santa Fe Railroad when he lived in Malaga, New Mexico. After moving to Odessa, he worked for the city for more than 20 years, retiring in 1989.
Elias was a great father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who loved his children and grandchildren and was especially fond of his great-grandchildren.
His best days were spent outdoors with his family. He enjoyed watching sports and was an avid Chicago Cubs, Houston Astros, and Dallas Cowboys fan.
Those left to carry on his legacy of love are his children, including three sons, Orlando Sanchez of Seminole, Ruben Sanchez and wife Margie of Canyon, and Danny Sanchez and wife Debbie of Odessa; three daughters, Patsy Rivera and husband Robert of Austin, Bertha Sanchez of Odessa, and Irma Rios and husband Alberto Jr. of Odessa; brothers, Israel Sanchez and wife Carmen of Carlsbad, New Mexico, and John Sanchez and wife Yonta of Seattle, Washington; a sister, Irene Quiroz of Odessa; also 16 grandchildren and numerous beloved great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Elodia Sanchez; his parents, Juan and Alicia Sanchez; and a sister, Elidia Nichols.
Arrangements are by Acres West Funeral Chapel, and condolences may be sent to the family online at acreswestfuneral.com.