David Vela Sanchez

David V. Sanchez, 55, our loving husband and father passed away on March 19, 2019 in Richland, WA.   He was born on May 31, 1963 to Ofimio and Antonia Sanchez in Toppenish, WA as the second of five children.  He spent his early years migrating with his family from the Rio Grande Valley, TX to different parts of OR and WA. His family settled in Mabton, WA in the early 1970’s.

He attended Mabton High School where he met the love of his life, Elsa (Cerrillo) Sanchez and graduated in 1982.   They married on November 28, 1987 at Blessed Sacrament Parish, Grandview, WA.  Together they made their home in Mabton and had two beautiful daughters Cecelia Marie and Vanessa Ann Sanchez.

In his early years, David worked in the family trucking business hauling potatoes, hops, and other local crops.  For a short period of time he worked for the Yakima Valley Cheese Company before moving into the construction industry.  He was a member of the Laborer’s Union Local #348 working in construction for over 20 years traveling to various parts of the Pacific Northwest.  More recently, he was employed for the City of Mabton Public Works.

David loved spending time with family and friends, always welcoming everyone with open arms. He loved backyard barbeques, camping, annual family beach trips and Husky football.  He was known as the life of the party; a social butterfly gaining numerous lifelong friends along the way.  David was known for his big heart and generosity, always willing to lend a helping hand.  He had a love for classic cars and trucks, especially his truck “old blue”.

He is survived by his wife, Elsa and daughters, Cecelia and Vanessa of Mabton, WA.  His siblings, Ofimio (Eliticia) Sanchez Jr., Outlook, WA; Norma (Ismael) Torres, Everson, WA; Ricardo (Liz) Sanchez; Daniel (Laura) Sanchez both of Mabton, WA; and numerous nieces, nephews, uncles and aunts.  He is preceded in death by his parents and eldest nephew, Alvino Sanchez.

Viewing and visitation will be held Sunday, March 24, 2019 from 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm with recitation of Holy Rosary at 6:00 pm at the Smith Funeral Home Chapel in Sunnyside, WA. A viewing and visitation will also take place from 9:30 am to 10:30 am prior to the Mass of Christian Burial on Monday, March 25, 2019 at 11:00 am at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Grandview, WA.  Burial will follow at Mabton Cemetery in Mabton, WA. Those wishing to sign David’s online memorial book may do so at www.funeralhomesmith.com Smith Funeral Homes in care of arrangements.

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