Ernesto Sanchez Jr.

Ernesto Sanchez, Jr., age 97, of Laredo, Texas, passed away peacefully at his home on January 4, 2026. He was a devoted husband, father, and family man whose life was defined by love, resilience, and quiet strength.

Ernesto was married to Cecilia Sanchez for 51 years. Together, they built a life rooted in commitment, faith, and family, sharing decades of memories and unwavering devotion to one another.

Ernesto was a lifelong educator who dedicated his career to teaching and mentoring generations of students. He believed deeply in the power of education and led by example through patience, integrity, and service.

He was drafted into the United States Army on March 19, 1952, and served honorably during the Korean War. He attained the rank of Sergeant First Class and served as a Platoon Leader with the 40th Infantry Division, 223rd Regiment. During his military service, Ernesto fought in several significant battles, including No Name Hill, the Iron Triangle, and Heartbreak Ridge, answering his country’s call with courage and dedication. As a proud Korean War veteran, he continued to serve the veteran community up until his passing.

For his bravery and honorable service, Ernesto was awarded the Korean Service Medal with two Bronze Stars, the United Nations Service Medal, the Combat Infantryman Badge, and the Good Conduct Medal.

Following his military service, Ernesto remained deeply committed to serving others. He was a member of the Auxiliary and volunteered at Laredo Medical Center for many years, continuing a lifelong dedication to service and community.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ernesto and Paula Sanchez; his sisters, Juanita Cirilo, Elma Briones, Avelina Dalrymple, and Estella Ashmore; his daughter, Blanca Elena Sanchez Scribner; and his granddaughter, Blanca Elena Sanchez.

He is survived by his children, Ernesto Sanchez, III (Rebecca), Hari Nam Kaur Khalsa; Nelda Sanchez Adamson; David Ernesto Sanchez; his sister, Dolores Garcia; along with three grandsons. He was also surrounded in love by the Reyna, Brewster, and Zapata families.

Throughout his life, Ernesto was known for his steady presence, strong work ethic, and deep devotion to his family. He valued tradition, faith, attending church services daily, responsibility, and perseverance, and he will be fondly remembered for his infectious smile and a humor that was contagious. A talented sculptor and painter, he expressed his creativity through his art, leaving behind works that reflected his passion and spirit. His guidance, integrity, and quiet wisdom left a lasting impression on all who knew him, and he will be deeply missed.

The family will be receiving condolences on Thursday evening, January 8, 2026, from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Joe Jackson North Funeral Chapels & Cremation Services, 1410 Jacaman Rd, where a Vigil for the Deceased and Rosary will commence at 7:00 p.m.

Funeral services will be conducted on Friday morning, January 9, 2026, departing at 8:30 a.m. from Joe Jackson North Funeral Chapels to Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church for a Mass of Christian Burial at 9:00 a.m.

Rite of Committal and Interment will follow at the family plot of Calvary Catholic Cemetery.

Military Honors will be provided by the U.S. Army Honor Guard and the Laredo Veterans Honor Guard. 

The family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to all of Ernesto’s medical providers for their compassionate care and support.

You may express your condolences, share your favorite memories, and sign the guestbook online at: www.joejacksonfuneralchapels.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care and direction of the funeral service professionals at Joe Jackson North Funeral Chapels & Cremation Services, 1410 Jacaman Rd., Laredo, Texas 78041; (956)722-8850.