Felix Junior Sanchez
( December 3, 1933 – January 22, 2024 )
Felix Sanchez, age, 90 of Clayton, New Mexico passed away peacefully with family by his side on Monday, January 22, 2024.
Rosary will be recited at 9:30 AM on Saturday, January 27, 2024, at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Clayton, New Mexico and Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 AM following the Rosary, with Fr. Joseph Baltz as celebrant. Burial will follow in the Clayton Memorial Cemetery by Hass Funeral Directors of Clayton, New Mexico.
Felix O. Sanchez, Jr. Affectionately known as Junior was born on December 3, 1933, to Felix Sanchez, Sr. and Andreita Romero Sanchez. Junior grew up on a family ranch in Barney, New Mexico and was the oldest son of 14 children. He joined the U.S. Army in 1955 and loved telling stories about his tie in the Army especially when he toured France. Junior married his beloved wife, Patricia in 1975. His kind and generous spirit lead him to coach the Special Olympics where he led his team to a competition in Notre Dame and a State Championship Title. His dedication to his athletes was apparent in various awards that were bestowed on him such as the Outstanding Special Olympics Coach of 1987 and the Eunice Kennedy Shriver Award in 1993. He was inducted into the New Mexico Special Olympics Hall of Fame in 1996. Junior drove a bus route for Clayton Municipal School District for 30 years, the kids on his route never hesitated to share how much they loved riding his bus. He had a way of making everyone feel special. His grandchildren always loved it when he drove the bus for their school activity trips. Even after Junior retired from driving his school bus route, he continued to work driving the local bus service Golden Spread Coalition for many years. He was the type of man who never knew a stranger and would without hesitation, give you the shirt off his back. He loved his community and was recognized by the Clayton Chamber of Commerce as the Community Volunteer of the Year. Junior loved spending time with his family telling stories and doing magic tricks for the kids. He had an amazing musical and dancing talent, he could play any tune by ear, and would spin his dance partners skillfully and enthusiastically around the dance floor. Junior had such an impact on every life he touched and he will forever be missed. Junior was preceded in death by his parents Felix Sanchez, Sr. and Andreita Sanchez, two brothers, Tony Andrew Sanchez and Noe Sanchez, three sisters, Toni Ann Sanchez, Margaret Sanchez and Priscella Martinez.
SURVIVORS:
HIS BELOVED WIFE: Patricia Sanchez.
SIBLINGS: Julia Valdez, Lucy Dominguez, Pat DePalma (Mike), Viola Earp (Jerry), Rosalie Hernandez, Connie Martin (Miles), Philip Sanchez (Jopey), Frankie Sanchez and Carlos Sanchez.
DAUGHTERS: Judy Greene and Theresa Gard.
GRANDCHILDREN: Tricia Riley (Joe), Stephanie Gutierrez, Derris Greene (Lisa), Laura Rodriguez, Melissa Greene (Brandon), Jeni Greene (Al) and Janae Wright (Jason).
GREAT-GRANDCHILDREN: Cameron Gutierrez, Bethany Posey (Coy), Wesley Riley, Kamy Riley (Javier), Teyah Rodriguez, Jaelyn Greene-Sosa, Tyler Bazan, Savvy Shull, Coby Shull, Abigail Greene, Kayson Posey, Saige Posey, Parker Platt, Samantha LsChance and Makayla LaChance.
GREAT-GREAT-GRANDCHILDREN: Paisley Posey, Levi Posey, Sloan Posey and Wren Gonzales.
And numerous nephews and nieces.
