Rafael Gilberto Sanchez, 48, of Fort Stockton, Texas, passed away on Oct. 24, 2021, in Laredo, Texas.

Visitation is Nov. 1-2, 2021, followed by the Rosary at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, St. Agnes Catholic Church in Fort Stockton.

Funeral services will be held Nov. 3, 2021, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, St. Agnes Catholic Church, with Father Francis Njoku officiating. Burial followed at Fort Stockton Catholic Cemetery. Arrangements were by Eternity Funeral Home.

Rafael Gilberto Sanchez was born in Corpus Christi, Texas, on July 9, 1973 to Rafael and Corina Sanchez. Rafael married Anabel Sanchez on August 10, 1996, in Fort Stockton. He joined the U.S. Marine Corps in 1992, and completed his time in 1996. He began his work for Texas Department of Criminal Justice in 1996, and in 2002 was accepted into the Border Patrol where he devoted himself to the agency for the last 19 years.

Rafael loved his family more than anything in the world. His goal was to make sure his family was taken care of and showered with love. Rafael was blessed to have three grandchildren in his life, and enjoyed being a popo to his babies. He enjoyed having gatherings at home with friends and family where he also did something else he loved - cook. Rafael dedicated his time to his barbecue pits where he created many briskets, chicken, fajita plates, and more. He spent his extra time by drinking a glass of whiskey in one hand and a cigar in the other.

Rafael Gilberto Sanchez was preceded in death by his father Rafael Sanchez, and his granddaughter Jordyn Anae Benavides.

Rafael is survived by his wife of 25 years, Anabel Sanchez; daughters Arielle Pacheco (Joshua Benavides), Maritza Sanchez (Derek Leyva); son Rafael V. Sanchez; mother Corina Sanchez; sister Nora Alvarez (Jorge); two grandchildren, Joshua Benavides and Jianna Benavides; seven nieces; and one nephew. 

Pallbearers were John Caban, Ovie Sanchez, Jerry Ramon, Ruben Rosas, Andy Meyer, and Fred Quintela.

The family of Agent Rafael Sanchez would like to thank the Border Patrol Del Rio Sector (Del Rio Station), Big Bend Sector (Sanderson Station) and Laredo Sector (Hebbronville Station) for all the support that we have received during this difficult time. We are truly blessed to be part of the Border Patrol family, and as Agent Sanchez would say, “Honor First. Semper Fi.”