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

Visitation will begin on Monday, November 1st at 1pm-5pm to the public, Tuesday November 2nd at 9am-7pm to the public followed by the Rosary starting at 7pm. Visitations will be held at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish-St. Agnes Catholic Church.

Funeral services will be held at 10 am November 3rd at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish-St. Agnes Catholic Church with Father Francis Njoku, officiating. Burial will follow at the Fort Stockton Catholic Cemetery. Arrangements are 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, Texas. He joined the United States Marine Corps in 1992 and completed his time in 1996. He began his works for TDCJ in 1996, and in 2002 was accepted into the Border Patrol in which 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 in love. Rafael was blessed to have 3 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 he loved: cook. Rafael dedicated his time to his barbecue pits where he created many briskets, chicken, fajita plates and many more. He spent his extra time by drinking a glass of whiskey in one hand and a cigar in the other.

Rafael Gilberto Sanchez is 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), and son Rafael V. Sanchez. Mother Corina Sanchez, and sister Nora Alvarez (Jorge Alvarez). Two grandchildren Joshua Benavides and Jianna Benavides, seven nieces and one nephew.

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

The Family of Agent Rafael Sanchez would like to thank the 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. **inserts Dad's emojis**