Jose V. Sánchez

1932 - 2021

WESLACO - Jose V. Sánchez passed away peacefully in the comfort of his own home, on January 15th, 2021, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on November 19th, 1932, in Weslaco, Texas to Weslaco pioneers Jose Carmona Sánchez and Maria Vallejo Sánchez. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 63 years, Elida Reyna Sánchez and his beloved daughter, Ana Maria Sánchez Gandara, daughter-in-law Sandy Lowe Sánchez, and son-in-law, Daniel Olivarez. He was the proud father of 5 children, all college graduates, literacy advocates, and educators. He was also preceded in death by his sisters Esperanza S. Martinez, Inocencia Sánchez, and Anita S. Garza. He is survived by his son Jose Sánchez, and his partner Lucinda Wierenga, son Boye Obed Sánchez (Yazmin Gomez), daughters Sylvia Sánchez Garza (Richard A.) Garza, and Enedina Sánchez- Olivarez, and son-in-law George Gandara. Grandchildren, Alicia and Ezra Sánchez, Adam (Teresa), Monica and Rebekah Gandara, Ricky (Jessica), Joseph (Jackie), Matthew, and Lucas Garza, Daniel, Angelica, and Marissa Olivarez, Zabrina, Karina, and Marina Sánchez, and six great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings Samuel (Victoria), Roberto (Bersey), Graciela, Maria Belinda S. Blankenship, and brother-in-law Luciano (Hector) Garza. His love of God, family, and community originated from his strong family ties and upbringing in a hard-working, migrant family. Jose served in the United States Army as a tank commander during the Korean War. He married the love of his life, Elida Reyna, in 1956. They built a life in Weslaco with their 5 children. While working at the local gas company, he attended college with the help of the GI Bill. He then worked as a teacher and administrator in Weslaco ISD. He continued with his graduate studies at Texas A & I University in Kingsville and then furthered his education at the University of Houston. His impact on education continued where he served as the director of the Hidalgo County Head Start Program. Jose directed and established the HEP Program at the University of Houston and Pan American University. He also started a local educational supplies business called the Learning Center. He served as Assistant Superintendent at Hidalgo ISD and Superintendent of Schools at Progreso ISD. He served as mayor of his beloved city of Weslaco from 1975 until 1981 and again from 2001 to 2007. During his progressive tenure as mayor, Weslaco was honored as an All-America City. He helped bring South Texas College to Weslaco. He was honored as Weslaco Chamber of Commerce's Man of the Year in 2009. He was inducted into the Rio Grande Valley Walk of Fame in 2005 during its inaugural year. Sánchez was an avid sports fan and athlete, playing professional baseball with the Harlingen Capitols. He was later inducted into the Leo Najo Baseball Hall of Fame. He was an avid Astros fan and enjoyed watching baseball games with his father and brothers. He was a historian and advocate for literacy, publishing 3 books, VIP's of the Barrio, Legacy of the Barrio, and Odyssey to El Wes, where he chronicled the stories of his migrant experiences and local history. He was a devoted Catholic where he served as a lector at San Martin Catholic Church. His Christian faith was a driving force in his life, where he strived to help anyone in need. His commitment to education left a lasting impression on the Weslaco Community and the Rio Grande Valley as a whole, and the Mayor Joe V. Sánchez Public Library of Weslaco, named in his honor, will carry a lasting legacy for years to come. He will be greatly missed by all of those who loved him. Serving as pallbearers will be his grandsons, Adam Gandara, Daniel Olivarez, Ezra Sanchez, Ricky Garza, Joseph Garza, Matthew Garza, and Lucas Garza. Funeral arrangements are under McCaleb Funeral Home in Weslaco, Texas. Based on social distancing guidelines, the funeral service is limited to immediate family. Burial will be at Weslaco City Cemetery. However, the link to view the live stream will be on the McCaleb website. A Celebration of Life service will be held at a later date.