Carlos Santiago Sanchez

Carlos Santiago Sanchez, 48, passed away in Austin on Wednesday, August 18, 2021. On August 12, 1973, Carlos was born to Catarino Sanchez Jr. and Maria Anita Martinez Ortiz in Weslaco, Texas. Carlos grew up in Weslaco, where he was active in tennis during his high school years.

After graduating from Weslaco Highschool in 1991, Carlos attended the University of Houston, earning a Master’s Degree in Counseling. Then, Carlos moved to Austin, where he worked as a teacher, counselor, and coach. Carlos loved meeting new people, and the diversity of Austin created a perfect environment for Carlos’s outgoing personality. He loved being around friends and family and was known to be “the life of the party.” Carlos lived life to the fullest, traveling Mexico and the United States and visiting his brothers, sisters, and best friend, Jeff in Houston. Carlos always looked forward to holidays, especially Thanksgiving, where the family traditionally had a crawfish boil.

Carlos was brilliant and could fix just about anything, especially computers and appliances. Carlos loved listening to music and collecting old albums. He was naturally artistic and a gifted writer. Carlos wrote many treasured poems. He could also sit in the moonlight and watch the stars; Carlos was fascinated by astronomy.

Carlos was most passionate about his son, Santiago Ulysses Sanchez-Hernandez, who was his pride and joy. Carlos taught him about life, art, music and always encouraged Santiago to ask questions and try new things. But, most importantly, Carlos taught his son to love unconditionally and showered him with hugs and kisses.

Carlos is preceded in death by his father, Catarino Sanchez Jr., uncles, Vicente Webber Ortiz, Guillermo Ortiz, Gustavo Ortiz, and cousin Rene Rodriguez Jr.

Carlos is survived by his grandmother, Flavia Webber Ortiz of Weslaco, mom, Maria Anita Martinez of Harlingen, son, Santiago Ulysses Sanchez-Hernandez of Austin, brothers, Rogelio Ortiz (Nga) of Houston, Catarino Sanchez III (Jamie) of Houston, sisters, Amanda Maria Peralez of Harlingen, Celinda Yvette Sanchez of Houston, aunt Dr.Anna Maria Garcia of Harlingen, Debbie(Rene) Rodriguez of Weslaco, uncles, Armando Ortiz, David (Dolores)Webber, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be Friday, August 27th, 1 pm-9 pm at McCaleb Funeral Home with a celebration of life at 7 pm. A celebration of life will continue Saturday, August 28th, 11 am, at McCaleb Funeral Home, with a burial to follow at Sacred Park Cemetery in Mercedes. The family would like to invite guests back to a reception at McCaleb Funeral Home after the burial on Saturday.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made out to Rogelio Ortiz and mailed to 900 W 4th St. Weslaco, TX 78596 or https://portal.icheckgateway.com/McCalebFuneralHome/Default.aspx , please note Carlos Sanchez family in the memo.