Leonard Sanchez

1936 - 2015

GALESBURG - Leonard Sanchez, 79, Galesburg, died at 9:10 a.m. Thursday, May 14, 2015, at OSF St. Francis Medical Center, Peoria.
Leonard was born April 26, 1936, in Mexico, the son of Perfecto and Juana Ponce Sanchez. He married Guadalupe Leon. She preceded him in death. He then married Martha Duarte. She preceded him in death on June 3, 2012.
He is survived by one son, Ed (fiancée Lindsay Cation) Sanchez of Galesburg; one stepson, Manuel Sanchez of Galesburg; and one stepdaughter, Claudia (Enrique) Cruz of Chicago. He is also survived by three sisters, Felicia Hernandez, Patricia (Sam) Leon, and Paula (Ruben) Orozco, all of Galesburg. He was preceded in death by his parents and his wives.
Leonard was a hard-working man who took care of his family. He worked at Gale Products Division of OMC until its closure. He then worked for NAIER, until his retirement. Leonard enjoyed working around his house, gardening, planting flowers, and landscaping. Leonard had a deep love for his family. He cherished every moment he was able to spend with them. He also loved his dogs. He was a longtime member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Galesburg.
Visitation will be 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday, May 17, 2015, at Watson-Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory. The rosary will be prayed at 5 p.m. Funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Monday at St. Patrick's Catholic Church. Rev. William T. Miller IC will officiate. Burial will follow in St. Joseph's Cemetery. Memorials may be made to St. Patrick's Catholic Church. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.