Isbell Sanchez

Isbell Sanchez, a.k.a. Chevelo and Chuck, 87, departed this earth on Tuesday, November 20, 2018, at the Jerry L. Pettis Memorial Veterans Hospital in Loma Linda, California after a lengthy illness. He leaves behind a wife of 65 years, Katherine (Avila) Sanchez; Children: Christine and Weston Sanchez, Ronald and Cynthia Sanchez, Suzanne and Robert Bailey, Arthur and Michelle Sanchez; Grandchildren: Andre Vasquez, Michael Sandoval, Jason Bailey, Breanne Juarez, Joscelyn Betancourt, Ashley Sanchez, Thomas Sanchez, AJ Sanchez, Austin Sanchez, Andrew Sanchez, Marissa Sanchez; Great-grandchildren: Reymond, Alexandra, Maddison, Scarlett, Catalina, Josephine, Landon, Jordan, Lincoln, Camila; as well as many close family and friends. He was born on July 8, 1931, in Eastland, Texas to parents Epolito and Petra Sanchez. The family moved early in his life and set up residence in Riverside, California. He was the ninth of fifteen children: Jose "Joe" Sanchez, Agopito Sanchez, Carmen Hurtt, Guillermo "Bill" Sanchez, Mary Rivera, Ines Sanchez, Isidro "Sid" Sanchez, Carmelo "Chito" Sanchez, Guadalupe "Lupe" Sanchez, Jesus "Johnny" Sanchez - All preceding his death, and Angel Sanchez, Ramona Griffith, Paul Sanchez, and Robert Sanchez After serving in the United States Army for one year, he transferred to the Army Air Corp, now the United States Air Force, during the Korean War Campaign and attained the rank of Sergeant in the Military Police. Upon returning to the States, Chevelo married the love of his life, Katherine Connie Avila on December 20, 1952. After working various jobs to support his family, his father-in-law, Jess Avila, taught him his ultimate profession as a Brick Mason. Chevelo and Kathy shared many of life's pleasures together including raising four children, camping, cooking for parties, arts, and crafts, and making a home. After the kids were grown and moved out the couple moved to Parker Arizona to begin a new life where they became involved in the local food bank, the axillary and making new friends. Chuck was very involved in woodworking and recycling used items to resale, as he was known as "The Mexican Fred Sanford". Throughout his life, Chevelo loved to tinker with his tools and loved to remodel and repair the home and property he was living in at the time. After returning to Riverside after 18 years they lived in Moreno Valley and Yucaipa for a short time. He soon became involved with the Yucaipa VFW and Chuck could always be found keeping busy in his shop making items for family and friends. A memorial service will be held in his honor on November 30, 2018, at 2:00 pm at the Thomas Miller Sierra Memorial Chapel Mortuary, 4933 La Sierra Avenue, Riverside, CA with a Celebration of Life to follow. Service Sierra Memorial Chapel Mortuary 951-687-0551 | Friday 11/30, 2:00 pm