Ferdinand Andre “Andy” “Coonie” Sanches, Jr. 74, of Seadrift went to be with the Lord at 8:10 p.m., Wednesday, May 30, 2012, surrounded by family and friends at his residence following an extended illness. He was born in Baton Rouge, LA, November 14, 1937, the son of James and Althea Strate. He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Wilma Jean Sanchez, whom he married March 1, 1958. Also surviving is his son Ferdinand Andre Sanchez III; three grandchildren, Mendi Chaka, Joe, of Port Lavaca; Justin Owen, Luanna of Seadrift and Bailey Mohoney of Olivia, TX; five great-grandchildren, Khristian and Cayleb Chaka, Mercadee, Draven and Jonathan Owen. One sister, Brenda Hoffman, Fred, of Port Lavaca, and many, many other extended family members who live in Seadrift; as well as four half brothers and three half sisters, all of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Mr. and Mrs. Strate, and his daughter Terri Jane Mahoney.
Andy retired from the United States Navy after 20 years of service, having climbed to the rank of Chief. He lived and served in California, Texas, Tennessee, Florida, Virginia and Maine. Andy also spent time on board the Lexington and Yellow Stone aircraft carriers. After retiring from the Navy, he worked as a commercial fisherman and for Hall Propane for many years. He loved his family and loved to spend time with them. Andy enjoyed hunting and fishing; he was a gentleman and a true man of Honor. He is loved by family and friends and will be missed by all. The family would like to thank everyone for their outpouring of love, understanding, and compassion that has been shown them in their time of sorrow. He loved you all.
Funeral service was held June 10 at the chapel of Richardson-Colonial Funeral Home in Port Lavaca, Sherard Cloud officiating. Interment followed at Seadrift Cemetery with military honors provided by the Calhoun County Veterans Honor Guard. Pallbearers were Justin Owen, Joe Chaka, Shorty Huddler, Michael Haden, Casey Owen, and Darren Gohlke. Honorary pallbearers were Bo Cady, Joe Beaver and Junior Lambright.
