In Loving Memory of Gene Charles Sandoval

Gene Charles Sandoval, 85, passed away on May 24th in Raton, New Mexico. Gene, also known as ‘Geno’ or ‘Charlie,’ son of Leandro Sandoval and Prudencia Rodarte.  He was born in Penasco, New Mexico on the 24th of November, 1938 and subsequently baptized on the 1st of January, 1939 in Raton. He graduated from Raton High School in 1958. During his senior year, Gene was a halfback for the Raton Tigers. They were Runners up for State Champs where he earned the name of “Crazy Legs,” because of his agility and quickness on the field.  He was a boxer and he sparred in the Golden Gloves Tournament.  Gene also lettered in Track. He was in the New Mexico National Guard for three years and three months, followed by two years and ten months in the active duty Army. He spent just over one year in Korea and earned the Army Good Conduct Medal during his time as a service member.

He met the love of his life, Eva Christina Belarde, daughter of Joseph Esteban ‘Steve’ Belarde and Maria Onofre ‘Nora’ Valdez, of Starkville, CO. Gene and Eva were married on the 13th of January 1962, in Raton at Saint Joseph Catholic Church and they had ten wonderful children together.

After Gene completed his military service, he gained employment at Western Hollow Metal in Raton. He was an accomplished welder and opened Sandoval & Sons Welding at his home. Many residents of Raton and the surrounding area still display his work, including the railing around Saint Joseph/Saint Patrick Church in Raton. He also worked at the Allen Mine (currently New Elk Mine) in Las Animas County, CO, York Canyon Mine, and the Raton Mine (Sundance Mine) in Starkville, CO. Gene was a proud member of the United Mine Workers of America  (UMWA). In 1992, he and Eva purchased the café in downtown Raton, called Eva’s Bakery.  Gene loved making bread especially donuts and long john pastries. Known for his dedication and profound work ethic, Gene continued to do welding and construction jobs in Raton until he retired. Gene loved being in the mountains.  He was an arborist at heart and planted many trees on his property.  He had a natural knack for creativity and artistic abilities that knew no bounds.  Many of these attributes are evident at the home of Gene and Eva.  Gene also loved to dance, especially at weddings and class reunions—both he and Eva loved to attend these events to see old buddies and classmates.

Gene is survived by his wife, Eva Belarde Sandoval, and their ten children:  Geneva Sandoval and spouse David Sena of Raton, NM, and their five children: Stephen, Victoria, Tomas, Roberto, and Renee. Bernard Sandoval and spouse Renee Woodworth Sandoval, of Colorado Springs, CO, and their two children: Brandi and Michelle. Joseph Sandoval and spouse Carol Mensing Sandoval of Colorado Springs, CO, and their three children: Sean, Alexander, and Savannah. Anthony Sandoval and spouse Stacy Martinez Sandoval of Albuquerque, NM, and their three children: Marc, Carlos, and Ava.  Domonic Sandoval and spouse Melissa Ellis Sandoval of Snohomish, WA, and their two children: Christopher and Presley. Steve Sandoval and his spouse Heidi Anderson Sandoval of Anchorage, AK, and their two children: Nathan and Christine. Becky Sandoval Lopez and spouse Alfredo Lopez of Albuquerque, NM, and their two children: Tomas and Joshua. Ross Sandoval and spouse Kim Romero Sandoval of Colorado Springs, CO. Vince Sandoval and spouse Carol Wood Sandoval of Albuquerque, NM, and their two children: Andrew and Patrick. Natalie Sandoval of Raton, NM, and her son: Brandon. Numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and siblings: Onofre Sandoval, Lilly Sandoval Marquez, Filbert Sandoval, Emma Sandoval Gladd, Jerry Sandoval, and Larry Sandoval and their extended families all from Raton, NM.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents Leandro and Prudencia Sandoval of Raton, NM, brother Johnny Sandoval, sister Lily, grandson Brett McKeehan, and two great-granddaughters, Catalina and Evelynn Rose Sandoval.

Gene was a loved and respected member of the Raton community. Everyone who knew Gene understood his love for his family and the Catholic Church. He will be remembered as a family man and an incredible listener who always made time for conversation–he will be missed by his family and friends. His legacy lives on through his loving wife, ten children, 23 grandchildren, and 23 great-grandchildren. The family would also like to express gratitude to the United Mine Workers of America, Veterans Administration, and medical professionals, especially Robin Pilley.

Recitation of the Most Holy Rosary will be at 11:00 a.m. on June 19, 2024, followed by a Mass at St. Josephs-St. Patricks Catholic Church in Raton, New Mexico,  officiated by Father Bill Woyatich. Burial to follow at Mount Calvary Cemetery.

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