Charles L. Sanchez
Charlie Sanchez of Laramie, Wyoming was born in San Pablo, Colorado to his parents, Carlos and Otilia (nee Rael) Sanchez. He died November 8th at Hospice of Laramie. It took two of the worst diseases, dementia and cancer to stop this strong, of mind and body, man.
He was an athlete in high school and became captain of the freshman wrestling team at the University of Wyoming when he was drafted. He went to Vietnam and received the Purple Heart. Charlie chose the Marines and was proud to be one.
He received a teaching degree from UW, taught Spanish, was director of UW’s SEO program, did finance for auto dealerships with Lueras Motors and Burman Motors, and managed properties including Motel 8. Charlie’s talents were integral to his wife’s starting Lincoln Printing Plus.
He had a wealth of knowledge, when friends or family had questions they would “ask Charlie”. He was humble about his accomplishments, and there were many.
Charlie is survived by his wife Mary Bower, son Joaquin, first wife Debbie, sisters, Bonnie Trabing, Cordy Crawford, Phylis (Richard) Winder and brother Kenny. Proceeding him in death are, his parents and sister Evelyn Valencia.
A service will be held Saturday, Nov 16th at Montgomery-Stryker Funeral Home at 1:00 pm with Military Honors by the United States Marines and the Laramie Veterans Honor Guard.
A celebration of his life will follow.
27 Comments To "Charles L. Sanchez"
#1 Comment By Pinky Johnson On November 12, 2019 @ 4:26 am
Rest In Peace, long time friend and brother!
#2 Comment By Shawna Otte On November 12, 2019 @ 6:28 am
Mary, I am so sorry for your loss. Prayers and thoughts of comfort for your family at this time.
#3 Comment By Jock Ward On November 12, 2019 @ 7:19 am
Charlie was a great friend and I have real fond memories of the two of us in high school and after he got back from Vietnam. I know he will be greatly missed. He was a hell of a wrestler and a hard worker, who always put a lot of thought into his work. My best wishes to the family and we will all miss him. Sincerely, Jock Ward
#4 Comment By Dennis Taylor On November 12, 2019 @ 9:35 am
Condolences to Charlie’s family. May his soul RIP.
Upon viewing the obit I felt a closeness as I was born in nearby Los Fuertes and also lived in Laramie, attended U of Wyo. with teaching degree, taught Spanish, etc. Wish we could have had a chat.
Dennis Taylor Mesa, Arizona
#5 Comment By Julie Miller On November 12, 2019 @ 11:59 am
Sincere condolences to the family and his many friends
Julie Miller
(Friend of Debbie Sanchez)
#6 Comment By Jane Hollon On November 12, 2019 @ 12:31 pm
Dear Mary, I was sorry to learn of your loss. If ever you need someone to talk with I can meet you for coffee or tea. Sincerely, Jane Hollon
#7 Comment By Gayle Groebner On November 12, 2019 @ 2:54 pm
Mary….
I’m so saddened to hear this news.
Charles was such a sweet man…and now he’s a sweet soul.
You’ll be in my thoughts these days ahead…you will get through this.
Gayle
#8 Comment By LindaMogensen On November 12, 2019 @ 6:45 pm
I remember Charlie’s smiling face in school and friendly demeanor. He was one of the good guys. So sorry to hear of his illnesses. I will never forget him
#9 Comment By Sharon (Swain) Cole On November 12, 2019 @ 6:56 pm
Charlie and I went to Lincoln School together, all 6 grades. Then on to high school. So we knew each other for many years. He was an awesome school mate an he will be greatly missed. My prayers go out to his family. R.I.P.
#10 Comment By Jodi & Tyler Standish On November 12, 2019 @ 7:25 pm
My deepest sympathy, Mary. I have always loved you both and being next door during my childhood was a true blessing. We are praying for you as you grieve & navigate. Even though we are far apart, you are both in our hearts. Please lean on us for any support….seriously. We love you and your dear Charlie.
#11 Comment By Rodger Hosier On November 12, 2019 @ 8:27 pm
I knew Charlie through our high school years as an extremely hardworking and talented athlete looked up to by all who met him. I lost touch with him after high school but was not in the least surprised to read here of his many accomplishments. Condolences to his family.
#12 Comment By Daniel H Davis On November 12, 2019 @ 9:52 pm
Know Charlie in High School. RIP brother. Dan Davis class of LHS 1965
#13 Comment By Jim Orth On November 12, 2019 @ 10:35 pm
It’s been such a long time ago since Charlie and I were “very young running buddies” little kids, baseball junkies, fun guys, rock throwers, carefree friends. Then young men. I always thought of him as such a humble man of integrity if I could be such a man. My best to his family.
#14 Comment By Kathy (Mallory) Donelson On November 13, 2019 @ 3:41 am
Althought I didn’t know Charlie well, I remember him as always having a smile and being friends with everyone. My sincere condolences to his wife and family. I know he is missed by many.
#15 Comment By Jim & Ro Peak On November 13, 2019 @ 1:44 pm
To Charlie’s family, please accept our condolences at this time of sorrow. Charlie was a humble man, kind and gentle with a quiet strength. He was an exceptional wrestler because of his drive and determination. May God bless and comfort your family during this time and always.
#16 Comment By Mary Kay Upson On November 14, 2019 @ 2:58 am
Mary, I have such great memories of Charlie that I will hold in my heart forever. My prayers of comfort and love go to you now. I hope the days get easier and easier and that you surround yourself with family and friends. Sending love.
#17 Comment By Paula Feltner in lieu of Joanne Feltner (OLF) On November 14, 2019 @ 9:14 am
I am channeling this from my mother, OLF (as her library assistants fondly dubbed her) and she loved them all. Charlie was one of the flock and she was very fond of him. May he Rest In Peace. Paula Feltner
#18 Comment By Mike & Jane Grzybowski On November 14, 2019 @ 10:26 am
It was our pleasure to get to know and work with Charlie. A great person for sure. Sending our thoughts and prayers to Mary and all the family. Rest in peace Charlie.
#19 Comment By Jim And Carla Groebner On November 15, 2019 @ 6:09 am
My family and I are very saddened to hear of Charles’ passing. To his family, cousin Mary, please accept our sincere sincere condolences.
#20 Comment By Jim and Carla Groebner On November 15, 2019 @ 6:14 am
My family and I are very saddened to hear of Charles’ passing. to his family and Cousin Mary, Please accept our sincere condolences.
#21 Comment By Ryan Fulton On November 15, 2019 @ 1:08 pm
I am saddened to hear about Charlie. Please accept my sincere condolences.
#22 Comment By Yvonne Arellano Martinez On November 15, 2019 @ 6:49 pm
Mary and family, I am so sorry for your loss, I am glad I was able to meet him again last summer! You will be in my prayers, God bless. p.s. I was also born in San Pablo!
#23 Comment By Dennis Woods On November 15, 2019 @ 8:45 pm
I was both shocked and saddened to hear about Charlie. We had known each other since we we were barely out of kindergarten, and were instant friends from that time on. I extend my sincere condolences to his family. He was a great guy!
#24 Comment By Donald Shoefelt On November 16, 2019 @ 5:44 am
To Charlie’s Family. Charlie was an amazing person and had a remarkable life. I feel so lucky to have known him when
I was a teacher and when we visited when I walked my dog. He will be missed by all. My sincere condolences to your family.
#25 Comment By Ryan Taylor On November 17, 2019 @ 10:12 am
Mary and family, I’m so very sorry for your loss. I have many fond memories of Charlie from my time at Lincoln and I feel very fortunate to have known him. Rest In Peace Charlie.
#26 Comment By Mary Vrooman On November 18, 2019 @ 2:10 pm
Mary and family, So sorry to hear about Charlie. He was such a good man and I know you shared many good times. Know you will miss him so much. Remember the good times
Take care.
#27 Comment By Marian and Greg Helm On November 20, 2019 @ 8:36 am
We are saddened to read of your loss, Karla. Mr. Sanchez was a great man, and he will be missed.