Manuel C. Sanchez

Manuel C. Sanchez, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, and friend, peacefully passed away surrounded by family on Tuesday, February 3rd, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of love, faith, hard work and devotion.

Manuel was born on January 11, 1930 in Ciudad Acuna, Coahuila, Mexico to Jose and Juanita Sanchez, the eldest of eight of this union.

Manuel met the love of his life, Maria Enriqueta “Queta” in 1950 when introduced by one of her brothers. Then a friendship developed. On December 18, 1956, Manuel mustered up the courage to ask Queta to be his girlfriend. They were married on December 28, 1958, building a beautiful life together raising their five children in Uvalde.

Manuel embraced his roles as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather pouring love and care into his family and home. With great strength, will and determination he found joy in providing for his family to ensure that they never lacked the essentials and a bit more.

Manuel is survived by his beloved children, Victor Manuel Sanchez and partner Esmeralda Nino, Rosa Maria Cuellar and husband Juan, Juan Jose Sanchez and partner Rosie Garza, Ester Gonzalez and husband Alejandro, Rebecca Castillo and husband Robert. Grandchildren are; Magda Cortez and husband Rene, Victor Manuel Sanchez, Jr. and wife Alana, Marissa Roque and husband Fidencio, John Paul Cuellar, Raquelle Cuellar and husband Elias Gonzalez, Juan Jose Sanchez, Jr. and wife Ashley, Pedro Luis Contreras and wife Yessenia, Keith Sanchez and partner Amanda De Leon, Stephen Sanchez, Manuel Gonzalez and wife Rachael, Amanda Ibarra and husband Daniel, Alexis McHargue and husband Michael, Joshua Gonzalez and wife Sierra, Alexander Gonzalez, Robert Alexander Castillo and wife, Cristina, Zipporah Hernandez and husband Aaron, Eric Castillo and partner, Ginger Wiseman, Sarah Garcia and husband Herman, Hope Castillo, Noble Castillo and 25 great grandchildren.

Also surviving Manuel, are his sisters Amada, Marta, and Juanita Sanchez along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Starting as an apprentice at Gensco, upper management recognized his talent and sent him to evening classes at SWTJC where he was awarded his welding certificate. Yet he did not stop there, continuing to work hard and desire for growth, he mastered his skills of welding beyond any measure becoming a legend known as “El Maestro” among the welding community. A few years later, he joined Lyfe Tyme, where he has been credited for the BBQ pit designs that are still being produced today and was known as the heartbeat of the welding shop.

He is now reunited in heaven with the love of his life, Queta; his parents, grandsons Nathan Vasquez and Eli Moreno, his brother, Luis Sanchez, his sisters, Antonia Segura, Victoriana Lopez, and Sara Murray.

While he will be deeply missed, the impact of his love, faith, and kindness will remain in the hearts of all who were blessed to have known him.

The family would like to express sincere gratitude to the staff of Uvalde Hospice for their compassionate loving care ensuring comfort in his final days.

Honored to serve as pallbearers: Victor Manuel Sanchez, Jr., Raquelle Cuellar, Stephen Sanchez, Manuel Gonzalez, Joshua Gonzalez, Alexander Gonzalez, Eric Castillo, and Robert Alexander Castillo. Honorary pallbearers: Magda Cortez, Marissa Roque, John Paul Cuellar, Juan Jose Sanchez, Jr., Pedro Luis Contreras, Keith Sanchez, Amanda Ibarra, Alexis McHargue, Zipporah Hernandez, Sarah Garcia, Hope Castillo and Noble Castillo.

Visitation will be held on Friday, February 6, 2026 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. with a prayer service at 7 p.m. at Rushing-Estes-Knowles Mortuary.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at 11 a.m. at Primera Iglesia Bautista, 507 Boone St., Uvalde, TX 78801. Interment will follow at Hillcrest Cemetery.

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7