Honor Raul Sanchez: WWII Veteran's Final Farewell

Help Honor the Memory of Our Grandpa, Raul Sanchez

With heavy hearts, we share that our beloved WWII Navy Veteran, Raul Sanchez, has set sail on his final voyage, into the hands of God and the loving embrace of his wife, Antonia. At 99 years old, he leaves behind a legacy of service, resilience, faith, and unwavering love for his family and country.

Our grandpa believed deeply in hard work, personal responsibility, and lifting others up, sometimes with a helping hand, sometimes with his signature no-nonsense wisdom, but always with deep conviction and heart. Born in Laredo, Texas, on February 5, 1926, Grandpa understood sacrifice from an early age. At just 18 years old, driven by duty and a determination to create a better future, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving his country during World War II with honor. During his service, he earned distinctions such as the American Area Campaign Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Area Campaign Medal, and World War II Victory Medal, recognizing his dedication to the war effort.

After returning home, Grandpa embodied the American Dream. In 1948, he married our grandmother, Antonia, and together, they raised five children: Ramiro (deceased), Ricardo, Alicia, Aida, and Roberto (deceased). Even while building his own family, he never stopped helping others, whether it was his mother, his in-laws, his neighbors, or fellow veterans.

He was never one to sit still. Grandpa built a career as a carpenter and contractor, creating opportunities for young men in need of work. Many of them went on to become architects, engineers, construction workers, or even members of the armed forces, often crediting his guidance as their inspiration.

But his impact didn’t stop there. A proud veteran, he dedicated years to helping other veterans navigate the complicated VA system, stepping in when others felt defeated by the bureaucracy. If a fellow veteran struggled to access their benefits, Grandpa was the first to help, often enlisting his daughters and grandchildren to advocate on their behalf. He firmly believed that no one who served this country should ever feel abandoned or forgotten.

His patriotism was undeniable. He proudly flew both the U.S. and Mexican flags on his scooter, his Navy Veteran bumper sticker displayed like a badge of honor. Whether you met him at church, the hardware store, or during his almost-daily biscuit run to Quickie’s, you walked away knowing exactly where he stood and feeling like you had a friend for life. More than anything, he loved his family, cherishing the time he spent with his best friend and grandson, Jonathan, sharing life lessons through his epic storytelling, jokes, and puns.

Our grandpa spent his life taking care of others, and in his final years, our family sacrificed to make sure he was cared for with the same love and dignity he had always shown. While the VA provides some assistance, it does not fully cover the costs of a proper farewell, and the additional expenses for services, burial, and honoring his memory are significant.

Now, we are reaching out to our friends, family, and community to help us give Grandpa the send-off he truly deserves. Every donation will go directly toward funeral and memorial expenses, ensuring that we can honor his 99 years of service, sacrifice, and love.

How You Can Help

If our grandpa ever touched your life—or if his story resonates with you—please consider donating to help ease the financial burden on our family. Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a difference. If you’re unable to donate, please consider sharing this fundraiser with others who might be able to help.

Grandpa lived with honor, humor, and an unshakable belief in service to his country, his family, and his fellow man. His presence, his wisdom, and his legendary sarcasm will be deeply missed, but his legacy will live on in the countless lives he touched. Thank you for helping us give him the farewell he so deeply deserves.

Con amor,

His Grandchildren