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Steve H. Sanchez III, born April 1, 1932 in San Antonio, Texas came before the grace of God on November 27, 2022. He was preceded in death by his parents Steve H. Sanchez II and Irene Garza, son Vincent Sanchez and brother Edward “Buddy” Sanchez. He attended Central Catholic and Fox Tech High Schools before joining the Marine Corps. At the age of 19 he was deployed to the Korean Conflict with the 7th Motor Transport Division. An avid boxer since his days at Central, his amateur career continued at the Moon Glow Boxing Club, where he got to participate with his little brother, and during his service with the Marines. After his discharge he would again serve his country as a United States Postal Service letter carrier for 38 years, being one of the last letter carriers to begin his career delivering mail by bicycle. He also continued to serve his country in the United States Air Force reserve. He met his loving wife, Olivia Ramos, after they caught each other’s eye at a local jewelry store. One blind date and six months later he knew he could find no greater love and they married. They started their family in a new two-bedroom home in Loma Park. He wanted the best for his young family. After outgrowing the home with six sons, they moved to Monticello Park. Together they worked hard and made sacrifices to provide a Catholic education for their children who wanted it. Steve served his church faithfully for twenty years by being an active member of the St. Paul’s Knights of Columbus. His Catholic faith was something he instilled in his children, for he did not want death to separate him from those he loved. The holidays were a special time for Steve and Olivia as they began the celebration with a large Thanksgiving feast and ended with a yearly Christmas party where friends and family would all make their way over to celebrate. After retiring from both, the USPS and USAF, Steve and Olivia would settle into a garden home where he could still tend to his yard. Having the nicest yard on the block was something he took personal pride in, no matter the neighborhood. To the embarrassment of their young children Steve and Olivia shared a love like no other. Never shy to show affection, whether it be holding hands, a kiss, or locking pinkies on their drives, they were the definition of ‘madly in love’. Being away from his beautiful Olivia, whether it was for hunting, fishing, or on deployment, pained him. If he wasn’t with her, he missed her and could only think of getting back to her. She was his one and only. Steve is survived by his loving wife of 67 years Olivia R. Sanchez, sons Steve H. “Butch” Sanchez IV, John J. Sanchez (Leticia), Gilbert Sanchez, Rene J. Sanchez (Lilliana), and Orlando R. Sanchez (April), sisters Dora Guenther, Yvonne Jimenez (Roy), Julianne Geigenmiller, Arlene Sanchez (Frank) and eleven grandchildren, six great grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, and his compadre of seventy-five years Lt. Col. Jesse Lozano ret. (Dolly). Services Wednesday, December 14, 2022 9:30 am Rosary and Mass to follow. St. Matthew Catholic Church 10703 Wurzbach Rd. San Antonio, TX 78230 11:15 am Gravesite Burial Shelter #2 Ft. Sam National Cemetery 1520 Harry Wurzbach Rd. San Antonio, TX 78209 12:00 pm Reception St. Paul’s Community Center 1201 Donaldson Ave. San Antonio, TX 78228 In lieu of flowers donations can be made to St. Mathew’s Catholic Church in the name of Steve H. Sanchez III.

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Steve H. Sanchez III

April 1, 1932 - November 27, 2022