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SANCHEZ -- Melvin M. Sanchez, 67, was called to be with the Lord after a long battle with lung disease on this 3rd day of Sept. 2003. He was born on October 2, 1935 in Los Chavez, NM to Juan P. Sanchez and Lucinda Chavez Sanchez who both preceded him in death. Melvin graduated from Belen High School with the class of 1954. He retired from the NM Dept. of Correction after 30 years of outstanding service. He was an active member of the Valencia County Chapter of the Future Farmers of America. He won the prestigious FFA Sunshine Award and was chosen to represent the State of NM as the Sunshine recipient. He was a charter member of the Valencia County Sheriff Posse and a charter member of the Belen Moose Lodge #1680. Melvin worked the Juan P. Sanchez Dairy Farm along with his father and brothers for many years. Melvin was the past president of the Mid West Community Action Program and served as a Grantee Board Member. His served in many capacities for 30 years with the M.W.C.A.P. He was proud to be chosen as the former Governor of New Mexico Tony Anaya's campaign manager and as campaign manager for the District Attorney Lemuel Martinez. He worked at the polling areas throughout Valencia County for many years. He enjoyed politics as it brought him into contact with many interesting people and he truly was a people person. Melvin also loved visiting any casino that he and Josie happened to drive by. He loved his two grandsons very much and enjoyed attending their basketball and baseball games. He was preceded in death by his parents; his father and mother-in-law, Marcelino and Lucia Segura; one brother, Delfido Sanchez; and three sisters, Pricilla Romero; Carlotta Romero; and Lorraine Chavez. Melvin is survived by his devoted wife of 45 years, Josie S. Sanchez of the family home in Los Chavez; his two loving children, Melvin George Sanchez, Jr. of Inglewood, CA; and Tammi Sanchez of Los Lunas, NM; two grandchildren, Melvin Sanchez, III; and Phillip Daniel Sanchez; eight brothers and sisters, Josie Romero; Sylvester Sanchez; Lucy Jaramillo; Arcenio Sanchez; Eddie Torres; Jenny Chavira; Griselda Marquez; and Erlinda Hernandez. He is also survived by his many loving nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank Dr. Peter Economou, Dr. Alan Singer, Dr. Eric Magana, and Jeff Jaramillo, DDS for the wonderful care and compassion that was provided to Melvin during his illness. A viewing and visitation will be held on Friday, September 5, 2003 at Romero Funeral Home at 7:00pm with a rosary following at 7:30pm. A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, September 6, 2003 at Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church with Father Stephen Schultz at 9:00am. Interment will follow at Our Lady of Belen Catholic Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Pat Baca, Michael Gonzales, Barney Carrejo, Michael Romero, Dennis Romero, and Eddie Segura. Honorary Pallbearers will be his grandsons, Phillip Daniel Sanchez who will also be representing Melvin Sanchez, III, Rep. Fred Luna, Dale Conroy, Heman Tabet, and all of the MWCAP T-Board. Romero Funeral Home, 609 N. Main St. Belen, NM 87002
        Published on: Sat September 06, 2003