Aaron Sanchez

1934 - 2016

Arroyo City - Arroyo City /Harlingen Texas

Aaron Sanchez, 82, loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend went to be with the Lord on Friday, July 8, 2016, after a short battle with Cancer.

Left behind to eternally treasure his memories are his devoted and loving beautiful wife of 61 years, Amalia Sanchez, daughters Jovie Cantu (Ted), Mary Sanchez, Yoli Johnson (Brandon), Letti Sanchez, and 3 grandchildren Sean Cantu, Ethan Johnson, and Parker Johnson.

Aaron is preceded in Death by his Son, Tony Sanchez; Grandson, Caden Johnson; and Brother, Pete Sanchez, Sr.

Aaron was born in San Luis Potosi, Mexico. He immigrated to the United States with his brother Pete Sanchez at the age of 17 under the United States Bracero Program. After a lengthy courtship, Aaron married the love of his life, Amalia. During this time, they were fortunate enough to meet a wonderful German family, The Eichblatt's, in Arroyo City. Ike and Mary Eichblatt not only became family to them, but were instrumental in helping them build their lives in the USA. With their assistance, the brothers established what became the very well know South Texas fisherman's landmark, Sanchez Bait Stand.

As a man of many talents, Aaron worked tirelessly to start the business to help support their new families. With the countless hours, tireless hard work and dedication, the Eichblatt's guided them to become small business owners. After many years of hard work they expanded their little bait stand to include the sale of fishing tackle, boat and motor supplies. That expansion also allowed them to purchase a shrimp boat, later known as, "Miss Bobby".

Through over the 50 years plus of co-owning Sanchez Bait Stand, Dad & Uncle Pete helped assimilate "Arroya City" to be one of the best places for South Texas fishing. Sometimes with broken English but always a huge smile and a great laugh, he loved meeting everyone, and proudly became friends with many fishermen all over Texas. It brings great pride to the Sanchez kids to be recognized, whether it be in the Valley or as far north as Dallas, as "one of the Sanchez's from Arroya City".

All of the children have fond memories of their Dad, from the eldest siblings who spent summer mornings shrimping with him on Miss Bobby, to the youngest sitting with him in the store greeting clients or helping pack shrimp. The family always looked forward to the weekly Friday night crab boils or fish fry's and his Sunday afternoon BBQ's.

Aaron was a very spiritual and religious man. The family attended church every Sunday; where long relationship started, with Monsieur John Nicolau. He is an instrumental part of each of the family member's lives from Baptism, Confirmation and marriage.

When he retired to Harlingen, gardening became one of his biggest hobbies. He had a huge garden of tomatoes, onions, serrano's, jalapeños, peaches, limes, and all kinds of chili's. He enjoyed traveling as often as he could, visiting his kids and grandkids in Dallas, as well as traveling to Las Vegas, California and New York.

Visitation will be held today, July 12, 2016 in the Rudy Garza Funeral Home Chapel from 12:00noon-9:00pm with a Eulogy at 6:30pm and a rosary to be recited at 7:00pm. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, July 13, 2016 at 10:00am at St. Anthony Catholic Church with burial to follow at Mont Meta Memorial Park in San Benito.