Leon - Courtesy Announcement Sanchez

Col. Leon J. Sanchez (retired U.S. Army), with brevetted promotion to Brigadier General, age 50, resident of Santa Fe, NM and native of Espanola, NM, was taken by the Lord on April 29, 2012. Leon touched all the lives he encountered and was deeply loved by his family and friends. Leon reciprocated his love by always taking care of those who surrounded him in his life, particularly his beloved wife Janet, Goddaughter Mariah Valdez, niece Sobie Quintana, parents & family, and numerous friends. Leon was preceded in death by his brother Walter Sanchez and mother-in-law Ramona Valdez. He is survived in life by his beloved wife Janet; parents Tony & Margaret Sanchez of Espanola; brothers, Marvin & wife Socorro of Espanola; twin brother Leonard & wife Lupita of Chimayo; Danny & wife Julie Anne of Albuquerque; in-laws Lorenzo Valdez & wife Maria of Espanola, Vera Valdez & companion Richard Dominguez of Espanola, Leroy Valdez & wife Stella of Truchas, Diana Quintana & husband James of Placitas, Bernadette Sanchez & husband Gilbert of Albuquerque, Bobby Valdez & wife Laura of Espanola; Godparents Clyde & Rosalind Martinez of La Villita; beloved Godchildren Mariah Valdez, Patricia Quintana, Monique Medina, Angela Rael, Jacob Sanchez, & Fabian Valdez; numerous uncles, aunts, nephews, nieces, cousins and special friends. Leon’s legacy of military service in the U.S. Army was a reflection of patriotism and love of country. He enlisted in the NM Army National Guard’s 3631st Maintenance Company in June 1980 and was commissioned in May 1982. Upon commissioning, he was assigned to the 642nd Maintenance Company as the Platoon Leader/XO, 93rd Troop Command Maintenance Officer, Company Commander of 804th Maintenance Company, Senior Tactical Officer, Intelligence Security Officer, and Logistics Officer, 7/200 ADA Battalion (HAWK). He also served in the 515th Combat Service Battalion in Intelligence Operations. In NM National Guard headquarters, he served as Supply and Services Management Officer and Force Integration Readiness Officer and State Training Administrator. In the 515th Regional Training Institute he served as the Operations Officer, Commander 2nd Battalion General Studies and XO for the 515th, 1st Battalion ADA and 2nd Battalion Regiment and several other military assignments overseas. Leon was the recipient of numerous commendations, medals and awards during military service. He was a graduate of Espanola Valley High School and New Mexico State University. The celebration of his life will take place at a Rosary on Thursday, May 3, 2012 at 7:00pm at Santa Maria de la Paz Catholic Church in Santa Fe, NM. Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Friday, May 3, 2012 at 10:30 am at Santa Maria de la Paz Catholic Church in Santa Fe, NM. Leon will be honorably laid to rest at the Santa Fe National Cemetery on Monday May 7, 2012 at 9:45am. Serving the family as pallbearers include Kendrick Sanchez, Marcos Sanchez, Justin Valdez, Fabian Valdez, Christopher Quintana, Mariano Valdez. Honorary Pallbearers include Edward Rougemont, Richard Rael, Juan Griego, Carlos Cardenas, Brian Baca, Jonathan Sanchez, and Jacob Sanchez.

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