Manuel Sanchez, 74 of King City passed away peacefully at his home with his family at his side, Sunday, May 27, 2012.

SERVICES:

A Rosary Service is scheduled, 7pm, Monday, June 4, 2012 at St. John's Catholic Church, 503 N. Third St., King City. A Funeral Mass is scheduled, 10am, Tuesday, June 5, 2012 at St. John's Catholic Church.

Mr. Sanchez was born March 21, 1938 in Laguna Grande, Zacatecas, Mexico to Wilfredo Sanchez & Thomasa Gamboa. When he came to the United States in 1960, he lived with his aunt in Riverside, Ca. where he worked in construction. In 1965, he moved to Kettleman City, Ca. and worked in agriculture with McCarthy Farms. He relocated with them to King City in 1976 where he lived for the rest of his life. He began work in 2000 with Valero Gas Station as their maintenance man. He worked there until he retired due to a sudden illness (November 2011).

Mr. Sanchez enjoyed all types of sports, but his lifetime passion was soccer. His all-time favorite team was America. He loved to see them play at the Estadio Azteca while visiting his family in Mexico. As a youngster, he played with the Mexican team Atlante. He participated in the Salinas Valley Soccer League and coached teams like Zacatecas, San Bernabe, and Morelia. From 1990 to 2002, he refereed for the league and for Little League. He also had a great love for his animals and the outdoors. Whether it was just a barbeque at the lake or doing some gardening, he enjoyed being outside. He was very proud of his peach tree and his beautiful roses. He was greatly interested in the lives of his grandchildren and was proud of the young men they have grown up to be.

Mr. Sanchez is survived by his wife of 41 years, Sandra Sanchez; one and only daughter, Laura (Carlos) Lemus; 2 grandchildren, Christopher Bailey & Jonathan Noah Lemus; and sister, Estella Sanchez. He is preceded in death by parents, Wilfredo Sanchez & Thomasa Gamboa; his brother, Antonio Sanchez and his niece, Edith Sanchez.