On January 29, 2023,
Alexander J. Sanchez Sr. loving husband, father of four, and grandfather of 18 passed away at the age of seventy-six. Alex (also known as Zapata to many of his friends) was born April 21, 1946, in La Junta, CO, the 4th of thirteen children to parents Mary (Madrigal) and Frank L. Sanchez. Alex graduated from Hoehne School. He also attended TSJC for welding. He married his high school sweetheart, Mary June Martinez he affectionally called his (Chickadee). They celebrated 56 years of marriage on April 2, 2022, and had four beautiful children: Donna Sue, Alex Jr., Toby, and Rick. Alex spent his career mining coal for 25 years in the local mines in Weston, CO and was a member of the UMWA 9856. He also worked for Pioneer Natural Resources for 8 years.
He later retired to play an active role as grandfather to his eighteen grandchildren. Alex was best known for his kind and generous spirit, often being the first to offer a hand to family or neighbors with yard work or welding projects. If he wasn’t helping people, he was sitting with his grandchildren around the TV to watch his favorite Western movies or serenading his family on one of his many guitars that he collected. Through the years, his passion for music would influence his children and grandchildren to play numerous instruments, join music competitions, and in some cases produce their own music. He was very active in the music ministry at his church for over 50 years. Alex’s family cherishes the love of music that he gifted them and will continue to use it to bring their family together to remember him.
Preceding him in death are his parents: Frank L. and Mary Sanchez, siblings: Frank Jr., Connie, Lydia and Julia. Alex is survived and missed by his wife Mary June Sanchez and his children: Donna Sue (Manuel) Torres, Alex Sanchez Jr., Toby (Kathyrane) Sanchez, and Rick Sanchez. Forever cherished and remembered by his grandchildren: Tim, Jeremiah (Kyla), Jacob, Ashley, Michael, Selena, Matthew, Isaiah, Adrianna, Brandon, Dannielle, Jacey, Xavier, Jaidynn, Genessee and Ricky James. His memory lives on with his greatgrandchildren: Mason, Jaydyn, and baby Torres. Also surviving are siblings: Mary (Max) Padilla, Frank (Romona) Sanchez, Dora Sanchez, Robert (Josie) Sanchez, Arthur (Joan) Sanchez, Paul Sanchez, David (Theresa) Sanchez and Andy Sanchez.
Visitation will be held on Monday, February 13, 2023, from 3 PM to 7 PM at Comi Chapel. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, February 14, 2023, at which time the family is requesting that you honor their privacy. All are invited to gather for the graveside at 12:30 PM at the Trinidad Masonic Cemetery. Active Pallbearers will be Tim, Jeremiah and Jacob Torres, Isaiah Sanchez, Brandon Sanchez, and Jerry Renner. Honorary Pallbearers will be Adrianna, Jacey, Xavier, Jaidynn, Genessee, and Ricky James. Arrangements made under the direction of Comi Funeral Home.
