SANCHEZ, Robert L.

Greer’s Mortuary of Winslow, Winslow, Arizona Robert L. Sanchez March 15, 1921 - October 11, 2013 Robert L. Sanchez passed away on October 11, 2013 in Surprise, AZ. He was born on May 15, 1921 in Winslow, AZ. He graduated from Winslow High School on May 29, 1941. Upon graduating high school he enlisted in the United States Army and was placed into aircorp upon completion of basic training he entered training as a B17 Ball Turret Gunner. He then deployed to the Europe front he flew eight missions on the ninth mission his aircraft was shot down by enemy fire. The mission he was shot down was called Black Thursday on October 14, 1943. He spent 20 months as a POW, in Stalag 17. He was released as a POW at the end of the war in 1945 and honorably discharged October 1945. During his enlistment he was awarded the Bronze Star, Purple Heart and several campaign medals. He was inducted into the Caterpillar Club and awarded the Gold Silk Worm for having to emergency jump during combat. Upon his return he married Virginia Chavez and raised 10 children while working at the U.S. Post Office. He was active in his church St. Joseph, Knights of Columbus, VFW and several other organizations. Robert is survived by his children, Linda Chavez, Robert Sanchez, Irene Ochoa, Rosalie Brisendine, Kathleen Sanchez, Veronica Flanagan, Priscilla Sanchez-Mackiney and Terry Perez; sister, Margaret Mazza; 25 grandchildren; 46 great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Eulalio Sanchez & Antonia Sanchez; wife, Virginia Sanchez; brothers, Lawrence Sanchez and Daniel Sanchez; sisters, Charlotte Monsegur, Helen Ortega and Beatrice Galvan; sons, Edward Sanchez, Michael Sanchez. Holy Rosary for Robert L. Sanchez, 92, will be recited at 9:30 AM, Thursday, October 17, 2013 with Mass of Christian Burial to be Celebrated at 10:00 AM at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. Celebrant Father Jeffrey King. Interment to follow in Desert View Cemetery. Viewing will be held from 5:00 -7:00 PM, Wednesday, October 16, 2013 at Greer’s Mortuary Chapel.