Trancito Asuncion Sanchez

Trancito “Frank” Asunción Sánchez of Amarillo, Texas passed away December 20, 2020, in Amarillo, Texas. He was born July 17, 1926, Amarillo, Texas to Antonio and Geronima Sanchez. He married Irene Elayne Kotara, on April 6, 1974 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church.

Trancito is survived by Felisa Sanchez (daughter) and Dakota Wilhelm (Felisa’s spouse); Anamaria Hernandez (daughter) and Steve Hernandez (Ana’s spouse); Antonio Sanchez (son) and Jennifer Sanchez (Antonio’s spouse), and five grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by Irene Elayne Sanchez (wife); Antonio and Geronima Sanchez (father and mother), Felix Sanchez (brother), Guadalupe Sanchez (sister), Consuelo Sanchez (sister), Ambrosia Hernandez (sister)   Santos Sanchez (brother), Anastacia Sanchez (sister), Miguel Sanchez (brother), Juan Sanchez (brother) and Felisa Sanchez (sister).

Trancito attended Our Lady of Guadalupe School, graduated in 1943 from Price College and went on to earn an associate’s degree from Amarillo College, a Bachelor of Science degree from West Texas State University in 1955 and a masters in arts and sciences from the University of Notre Dame in 1962.   He dedicated his life and career to education as an algebra teacher and assistant principal at Bowie Middle School and also as a liaison to the Hispanic community for Amarillo Independent School District. He served in the 120th Combat Engineers, 45th Infantry Division of the U.S. Army in the Korean War. He was a Lifelong member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. He was a former member of various boards and community initiatives focusing on education and service to the Hispanic community and city of Amarillo. He was recognized by the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce as Man of the Year.

Trancito was a fan of the University of Notre Dame football.  He organized and coached the Our Lady of Guadalupe Greyhounds, the first baseball team for Hispanic youth in Amarillo, and led them to many victories and city championships.  He was a key member in the effort to desegregate the Amarillo Independent School District and unify the communities within the city of Amarillo in the 1970s.  He enjoyed spending time with family; watching baseball, college sports and old westerns and managing the family farm and ranch.

Memorial Contributions In Lieu of Flowers:  Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church.

A small private burial service for the family will be held on December 29, 2020 and small private rosary service for the family will be held on December 28, 2020; please contact family or funeral home for access to live stream of service or rosary.