Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Abel Sanchez Obituary
RIO GRANDE CITY - A.L. Sanchez, 86, passed away on Sunday, March 2, 2008, at Starr Co. Memorial Hospital. He was born in Rio Grande City on Oct. 12, 1921. He was preceded in death by his parents, Abel Juan and Juana Saldaña Sanchez; his son, Abel Lee (Pookie) Sanchez; his brother, Abel Trinidad Sanchez; and his sister, Araceli Sanchez Ramey.
He is survived by his wife, Jessie DeVille; his sons, Donald James (Nelda) and Jeffrey Rene (Sonata); grandson, A.J. Sanchez; brother, Heron Sanchez; sisters, Ninfa Guerra and Lydia Guerra; seven grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.
Abel started his education at the age of two years old at the Immaculate Conception School and continued through high school. In 1940 he enrolled in the Corps of Cadets at A&M University with his brother-in-law, Virgil Guerra. In 1942 he enlisted in the Air Force and was stationed at Bakersfield, CA. He was then transferred to Alexandria Air Base where he met his loving wife of 62 years, Jessie De Ville Sanchez. After getting married in 1944, he was deployed overseas to the South Pacific, Island of Siapan.
While serving his country overseas, his wife gave birth to their first child, Abel Lee (Pookie) Sanchez. Abel always stood out in his community for the simple reason, his generosity. He was a small businessman, but his charitable attributes put him alongside with the big businesses. Anyone that knew Abel knew his compassion for his family, cattle and guns.
Not only will he be missed by his family, but also by the community of Starr County.
Pallbearers are A.J. Sanchez, Gilbert Ramey, Enrique Ochoa, Michael Olivarez, John Kemp and Todd Wise. Honorary pallbearers will be Don DeVille, Randall Nye, Rafael Carrera, Beto Garcia, Yune Garcia, Elliott Bottom, Roel Smith, Jose Luis Ramos and Erasmo (Mamo) Lopez.
Viewing was held Monday, March 3, 2008, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. with rosary recited at 7 p.m. Viewing will continue today, Tuesday, March 4, 2008, at 8 a.m. Burial Mass will be today, Tuesday, March 4, 2008, at 10 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. Committal services will be at Rio Grande City Cemetery.
Sanchez Funeral Home of Rio Grande City is in charge of arrangements.
Sign the guest book at www.themonitor.com/obituaries
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Abel Sanchez
Anne Wetegrove
February 26, 2025
Mr. Sanchez was a very special-remarkable person-Caring, giving, compassionate, and an honest man who cherished his family-he was loved by so many for the man he was- ALWAYS there for anyone-I personally can´t say enough about how GREAT he was-He and Mrs. Sanchez raised amazing sons! A father figure to many, including myself-
We all at one time in our lives say if we could only have one last chance to say one thing- I would want to say how much he was thought of, loved and appreciated for who he was-
I know that he is thought about everyday and know how much he is truly missed-
Anne Wetegrove
March 2, 2023
Thinking of the Sanchez family on this day- It has been15 years a very special person passed. We were all so lucky to have known this wonderful man-A great husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle...
A friend to so many-He will always be truly missed-
Love, Anne Wetegrove
Monie Palacio
July 10, 2008
Jessie & Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. May the love you had for him and the memories you have of him keep him in your hearts always. May God give you the strenght to bear this loss.
anne Wetegrove
March 30, 2008
Enitre Sanchez Family~I just heard about Mr. Sanchez~I am so sad about the loss of such a great person-I remember saying that if I did not have the father that I did I would love to have a father like him- I always have loved the entire Sanchez family and miss the times we all had together-I think of all of you often and at this time you all will be in my prayers-I love you-
How you can show support
carmen gonzalez
March 10, 2008
Jeff and Sonny,My prayers are with you and your family during this time of sorrow.
Mr.&Mrs Rodolfo T. Garza
March 5, 2008
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Avelardo &MaryLou GIL
March 5, 2008
Jessie, Are Love and Prays are with you and your Family. May God bless and keep you safe in his arms . We love you.
AVIE SMITH
March 4, 2008
SONNY:MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU and ALL OF THE SANCHEZ FAMILY.
LOVE AVIE SMITH MCALLEN,TEXAS
Freddy Salinas
March 4, 2008
Jeff,
I wish to express my deepest sympathy to you and your family at this difficult time on the loss of your father.
Migdalia Echavarria
March 4, 2008
Our deepest sympathy to the Sanchez Family. Our prayers are with you all. God Bless to all.
Ana Ma.Alvarez & Family
JOEL & IRENE MONTALVO
March 4, 2008
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
ELDA CASTILLO
March 4, 2008
I AM SORRY ABOUT MR. SANCHEZ LOSS
ELDA CASTILLO
RIO GRANDE CITY, TEXAS
Roel Benavides
March 4, 2008
My deepest sympathy to all of the family, Bebe was one of my mentors, and I will allways be greatful for his sound advise and frienship. May God be with you all.
eddie and margie rodriguez
March 4, 2008
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
Showing 1 - 14 of 14 results
Memorial Events
for Abel Sanchez
People and places connected with Abel
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
How to support Abel's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Abel Sanchez's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
