Eddie Sanchez Laluz

Reverend Eddie Sanchez LaLuz, beloved husband, father and grandfather went to be with the Lord on Sunday December 23, 2012. Eddie was born September 7, 1925 in Catano, Puerto Rico. At the age of 25, he entered the U.S. Army at Fort Buchanan, Bayamon Puerto Rico as a Medic. While serving in the Korean War, he was severely wounded and was shipped to Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas. He is a recipient of the Purple Heart, Korean Service Medal, Bronze Service Star, U.N. Service Medal, and Medical Badge.

While he was in the hospital recuperating he met, dated and married a missionary named Estefana "Fannie" Trejo. He attended El Instituto Biblico where he studied to be a pastor. He then worked for the Home Mission Board (now named the North American Mission Board) and pastored many Hispanic churches all over Texas until he retired in 1974. Eddie tirelessly took care of Fannie, who had complications from an illness, from the time he retired until her passing in 1978. He and Fannie had two sons, Eddie and Edmundo, and were married for 25 years.

In 1979 Eddie was introduced to Carmen Vega in Puerto Rico by a cousin. They were married soon afterward and moved to San Antonio where they made their home. They raised a daughter Carmencita and had a son Carlos Luis. Eddie devoted the rest of his life to his family. He and Carmen had a mutual affection and respect for one another through the years that were the foundation for a home filled with love and laughter. Once his grandchildren, Andrea and Esteban, entered the world his heart filled with even more joy. They were the lights of his life. He truly has been a great example to them of unconditional love.

Eddie was always smiling and rarely complained. He had over 60 operations through the years and many due to his injuries from serving his country, but he never complained even when he was in much physical pain. Eddie was never ashamed of preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He touched so many lives through the years as a pastor, teacher, and mentor.

He is survived by his wife Carmen Sanchez, his children, Reverend Eddie G. Sanchez and wife Elizabeth (Liz), Reverend Edmundo G. Sanchez and wife Stephanie, Carmen McHenry and husband Michael (Mike) and Carlos Luis Sanchez, and his grandchildren Andrea Sanchez and Esteban Sanchez.

Visitation will be from 5 to 7 pm Sunday, December 30th at Chapel Hill Funeral Home. Burial with military honors will be at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery on Monday, December 31st at 10:30 am. A Memorial Service will follow at 2:00 pm at Chapel Hill Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to be made to the Disabled American Veterans or the North American Mission Board.