MANUEL ANTHONY SANCHEZ III

1941-2018

Manuel Anthony Sanchez III, “Manny”, passed away on February 28th, 2018 in Houston, Texas at the age of 76. He was born in Santa Barbara, California and was raised in Brownsville, Texas. Upon graduation as valedictorian from Brownsville High School, he continued his education at the University of Pennsylvania, Wharton School of Business. After graduation, he worked in the banking/commodities trading industry in New York. Upon returning to Texas he became involved in the oil service industry and also served as the Regional Director for the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

In 1976, he became a distributor for Coors beer in Houston and later for the territory around Palestine, Texas. His work life was characterized by a bond of deep mutual respect with his employees – in no way was he your average “boss.”

Longtime summer, and Christmas residents of Santa Fe, Manny and Karen spent many wonderful days there with family and friends. During retirement, they travelled extensively, and he pursued his passions of reading, gardening and collecting rustic Mexican and Texana artifacts.

Manny will always be remembered for his keen and often contrarian insight, his humor, his intelligence, his loyal friendships and his generous nature. He was a mentor to all whom he met, always willing to share his wisdom and guidance. He believed deeply in hard work, the value of a good education and the strength of family.

He is survived by his wife Karen Sanchez; his daughter, Nicole Sanchez; his son, Manuel Anthony (“Tony”) Sanchez IV and wife Julie; and his two beloved grandchildren - Alessandra Sanchez and Manuel Antonio (“Cinco”) Sanchez V. He is also survived by his siblings Jeanine McNally and husband Andrew III of Chicago, Dennis Sanchez and wife Marianne of Brownsville, Michele Sanchez Deaton and husband Grady of Brownsville and Joette van Doesburg and husband Hans of Houston.

Manny will be remembered in a private ceremony in Brownsville.

We honor him as our dearest and sweetest and downto-earth father, grandfather, husband, brother, uncle, friend and mentor. Love to you all, dear friends.