Joel "Joe" C. Sanchez

Joel C. “Joe” Sanchez, Sr., 87, of San Angelo, Texas, gained his wings on August 2, 2026, just shy of his 88th birthday, surrounded by his loving family. Joe was born on August 8, 1938, in Sonora, Texas, to Miguel and Maria Carrillo Sanchez.

Joe was proud of his West Texas roots and carried the values of faith, hard work, and family throughout his life. He attended school in Sonora before beginning a career built on determination, skill, and integrity. He worked for Lyle’s and Lyle’s Construction and later for Mike Henson’s Re-tipping Service, where he earned the respect of everyone, he met delivering the drilling bits all over West Texas.

At just 14 years old, Joe met the love of his life, Damacia Mesa, lovingly known to him as his “Honey”. They married on December 2, 1957, beginning a beautiful love story that lasted nearly 69 years. Together they built a life centered on unwavering faith, unconditional love, and a family that became Joe’s greatest pride and joy.

A devoted member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Joe lived his faith every day through kindness, dedication to his family and those close to him. He possessed a remarkable gift for working with his hands. Entirely self-taught, he believed there was nothing that couldn’t be repaired with enough patience and determination and a splash of “red paint.” One of his proudest accomplishments was building the family home where countless memories were made and generations were raised.

Joe was larger than life. He never met a stranger and could strike up a conversation with anyone. His quick wit, and infectious sense of humor filled every room. Whether he was singing, dancing with his "Honey," family gatherings, spending time in his garage, Joe found joy in life’s simple moments. He even sang to all the staff and clients of Sagecrest, where he spent the last three years of his life.

His grandchildren will forever remember his famous Texas-sized pancakes and how he insisted there was a “right way” to eat them. Those breakfasts were never just about pancakes-they were about laughter, stories, and making memories that will be treasured forever.

To his family, Joe was their rock. To the neighborhood, he was “Grandpa.” His door was always open, his table always had room for one more, and his heart was big enough to love everyone who walked through it. Whether related by blood or simply by love, countless neighborhood children grew up calling him “Grandpa” and still call him Grandpa to this day.

Joe is survived by his beloved wife, Damacia Mesa Sanchez; his children, Linda Sanchez and husband Glenn Shirley, Sr.; JC Sanchez Jr. and Tammy Sanchez (parents of Jessica Sanchez); JoAnn Sanchez; Sylvia Sanchez Montalvo; and Monica Sanchez Wendt and husband Michael Wendt; Sister-in-law Tome Sanchez.

He also leaves behind his cherished grandchildren: Glenn Shirley Jr. and spouse Andrew Shirley; Deja Gonzalez; Tony Koya and fiancé Juanita Castillo; Jessica Sachez and significant other Santiago Lira; Naomi Aguirre and fiancé Cory Robles; Stephen Joseph Sanchez; Jon Zachariah; Michelle Wendt and fiancé Kandra Lakey; Marissa Finlay; and Miranda Mateo and husband Lance Mateo.

His Legacy continues through his great-grandchildren: Jonathan Shirley and wife Sara Shirley, Jazmin Gonzalez, Jozalin Izabella Gonzalez, Jackson Sanchez, Marcelina Lira, Brooklyn Robles, Zailianah Robles, Benjamin Manning, Noah Joseph Ray, Kiya Robles, Logan Finlay, Paxton Mateo, Wyatt Hayden, Tucker Hayden, Parker Mateo, and Hazel Mateo; and his great-great-granddaughter Addilyn Shirley, along with many other friends and family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Miguel and Maria Sanchez; His in-laws, Modesto and Florencia Mesa; his siblings Fortino Sanchez, Minerva Sanchez, and Samuel Sanchez; brother-in-law Modesto "Bito" Mesa and Nieces and nephews Sammy Sanchez, Steve Sanchez and Ida Sanchez.

Joe’s greatest accomplishment was not only the home he built, the things he loved so fiercely, the example he set through faith, humility, hard work, laughter, and unconditional love. He taught those around him that life’s richest blessings are found in time spent together, in helping others, and in always finding a reason to smile.

Though our hearts are broken, we find comfort knowing he has been welcomed into the arms of our Lord. His laughter will echo in every family gathering, and his love will continue to guide us for generations to come.

Our family would like to express our deepest appreciation to the incredible nurses, and caregivers, and staff at Sagecrest Care Center. Thank you for loving and caring for Joe as if he were part of your family during his final years. Your compassion, patience, and kindness gave our family peace and comfort, and we will always be grateful for the love you showed him.

Until we meet again, Husband, Dad, Grandpa, Great-Grandpa, Great-Great Grandpa. Thank you for building more than a house, you built a home. You built a family. You built a legacy of love that will never fade. You will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten.

A rosary service will be held in Sonora, Texas at Harper-Welch Funeral Home at 6:00 PM on Thursday, August 6, 2026. A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Ann’s Catholic Church at 10:00 AM Friday, Augst 7, 2026 with burial to follow at Sonora Cemetery.