Thomas Benavides Sanchez Sr.

MIDLAND - Thomas (Tommy) Benavides Sanchez Sr, 60, of Midland, died Jan. 11, 2020, surrounded by loved ones.

He was born on June 2, 1959, to Paubla and Pablo Sanchez in Stanton. He became a lifelong resident of Midland.

He married Irene Reyes on Mar. 28, 1980, and was married for 40 blessed years. He worked as a maintenance man at Hogan Park for 16 years. Not only was this his job but also, a hobby as golf was his favorite thing to do.

He was a member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Church where he attended. He was a family man, he loved music, was good-hearted, and he never met a stranger. He always had words of faith and wisdom to spread to anyone who needed some words of advice or encouragement.

Helping others brought him so much joy and comfort and for this reason he was known as the “neighborhood father” to so many in the Midland community.

He is survived by his wife, Irene Sanchez; children Thomas Sanchez Jr and girlfriend Irene Gutierrez of Midland, Alexander Sanchez-Easter and husband Jack Easter of Seguin, Anthony Sanchez of Midland, Yvonne Sanchez and girlfriend Marissa Rivera of Midland, Angel Munoz of Greenwood, and Xavier Peraza and wife Lizzy of Midland; brothers Freddy Sanchez, Pablo Sanchez Jr., Larry Sanchez, Fernando Sanchez, Samuel Sanchez, Rudy Sanchez and Macario Sanchez; sisters Rosa Ramos, Maria Sanchez and Sylvia Ortega; 16 grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents Pablo and Paubla Sanchez, grandson Joseph Sanchez; brothers Benny Sanchez, Isidro Sanchez, Henry Sanchez, Cruz Sanchez; sisters Ida Robledo and Margie Flores.

A Rosary was held Jan. 13 at Heavenly Gates.

Funeral Services were Jan. 14 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church.