Ed Sanchez
He was born in Sunshine, Louisiana on April 20, 1922, to Stella Hebert Sanchez and Ignace Sanchez. His wife of fifty-eight years, Lois Crumholt Sanchez, died in 2001. Ed was retired from Gulf States Utilities Company. He was a veteran of World War II serving as a pilot, and he reached the rank of major in the Air Force Reserve, and was a member of the American Legion. For many years as a drummer, he was a bandleader playing on weekends at various venues. He enjoyed working in his workshop and was admired for his ingenious inventions and craftsmanship. His sense of humor delighted his family and friends and his "stories" will be long remembered.
He will be greatly missed by his four daughters and spouses: Wanda Melancon of Dallas, TX, Dale and Daryl Foushee of Cary, NC, Debra and Wayne O'Banion and Pam and Hilary Stephens of Baton Rouge. His grandchildren will always have fond memories of Paw Paw playing his drums and mandolin while singing for them. Surviving grandchildren are Jill Melancon, Dallas, TX, Janet Melancon, Waco, TX, Mark Melancon, Garland, TX, Michelle Dunkins, Cedar Hill, TX, Lane Foushee, Cary, NC, Kyle Foushee, Ferndale, MI, Leah Waller, Hillsborough, NC, Taryn Avants, LeCompte, LA, Darryl Averette, City of Central, LA, Sarah Stephens, Prairieville, LA, Hil Stephens, Baton Rouge. Surviving step-grandchildren are Chris O'Banion, Brooklyn, OH and Matt O'Banion, Port Allen, LA.
The great-grandchildren loved playing with PawPaw and they always brought a twinkle to his eye: Lexi and Kamryn Melancon, Neva Waller, Elijah, Rachel, Evan, Owen, Corban, and Rebekah Avants, Brittny and Anthony Averette, and Camdon Stephens. Surviving step-great-grandchildren are Ryan, Colin and Lauren O'Banion, and Satin, Cheyenne, and Ariel O'Banion. He is survived by two sisters, Jeanette Vidrine and Louise Guedry, and sisters-in-law, Bobbie Young and Dolores Collier, and brother-in-law, Abner Jenkins, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his six sisters and two brothers, Lena Flateau, Annie Granada, Lucille Alonzo, Alma Sanchez, Stella Mae Sanchez, Vernida Saurage, Ignace Sanchez, Jr., and Johnny Sanchez.
Visitation will be held at Rabenhorst Funeral Home East, 11000 Florida Blvd., on Thursday, December 13, from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm, and on Friday, December 14, from 9:00 am until service at 10:00 am. Burial with Military Honors in Greenoaks Memorial Park immediately following the service. Pallbearers will be his grandsons. Donations may be made to The Carpenter House, St. Joseph Hospice Foundation. Visit the online guest book at rabenhorst.com.
Employed January 19, 1948.
Retired October 1, 1984.
Passed Away December 11, 2012.