Joe Melecio Sanchez, age 83, of Hutchinson, passed away on February 7, 2026, in Wichita, Kansas. He was born on May 9, 1942, in Hutchinson, KS, to Mary Martinez (Ojeda) and Catarino Sanchez.
Joe entered the US Army at 17, serving for 2 enlistments for a total of 6 yrs and 9 months, in both Vietnam and Korea. During his service, he was assigned as a light weapons infantryman with the 1st Brigade, 101st Airborne Division in Vietnam (Screaming Eagles). For his service and dedication in combat operations, he was awarded the Vietnam Service Medal and the Combat Infantryman Badge. He was the Vice President of the GI Forum in Hutchinson.
Upon returning from service, he held various jobs prior to his work at Carey Salt Mine, where he retired at 55.
Joe is remembered as the one who found joy in the simple thingsālong conversations that could stretch for hours, a cold Diet Coke (with extra ice), rescuing his cat Garfield from the McDonald's drive-thru, and the occasional chocolate shake just because. He loved good steak dinners, movie trips, and the thrill of buying lotto tickets or visiting the casino. Above all, Joe was a family man who cherished time spent with those he loved, leaving behind countless memories, laughter, and stories that will live in our hearts.
Joe is survived by his two daughters, Deborah Castaneda and Cynthia Sanchez of Hutchinson; sons, David Sanchez of Hutchinson and Anthony Castro of Wichita; sister Geraldine Delgado; grandchildren, Jamar Crable (Anna, Jalen, Javion, and Jaxton), Leborio Melecio McLain-Castaneda (Michael), Sean Goodwin, Alan Woodson (Tim), Marcelino Toribio Castaneda, Jaren Goodwin (Jocelyne and Jacelyna), Jayla Bynum, and Amarion Sanchez-Thompson; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Carol Sanchez; parents, Mary Ojeda (Paul Ojeda Sr.) and Catarinio Sanchez; daughter, Michelle Woodson; son, Joe Sanchez Jr; brothers, Jimmie Sanchez Sr, Paul Sanchez, Rey Sanchez, and Paul Ojeda Jr; sister, Reina Sanchez Stinbrink; grandson, Martin Castaneda; Godson, Valentin Delgado; and loving cat, Garfield.
Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at Hutchinson Funeral Chapel, 300 E. 30th Ave, Hutchinson, KS. Parish Rosary will be at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at Our Lady of Guadalupe, 612 S. Maple, South Hutchinson, KS. Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10:30 a.m., with Father Eric Weldon officiating. Burial will follow Fairlawn Burial Park, Hutchinson, KS with full military honors. Memorial contributions are suggested to Hutchinson Animal Shelter or Redemption Animal Rescue and can be sent in care of the funeral chapel.