Manuel, the son of Vicente Sanchez and Gloria Aguilar, was born January 30, 1972 in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico. He received his education from Manuel Aguilar Saenz School in Mexico. In 1998, Manuel moved to Emporia, Kansas for an employment opportunity with IBP Manufacturing. He later met his wife while working at Emporia State University. Manuel and Michelle Zillmann were married on April 28, 2001 at Grace United Methodist Church in Emporia, Kansas. They shared 19 years together. Manuel and Michelle Sanchez lived in Emporia, Kansas for many years before relocating to the Kansas City area.
Manuel spent his life working as a cook in nursing and retirement homes, educational facilities, and restaurants. He took pride in his ability to care for people with the food he made. Manuel was a fan of many sports. He was a devoted Dallas Cowboys’ fan. Manuel was able to fulfill his lifelong dream of visiting the Dallas Cowboys’ AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas when the family took a Spring Break trip in March, 2019. He also enjoyed watching the Los Angeles Dodgers play baseball. Because of his love of music, he spent many hours listening and singing to his favorite Mexican artists. Most of all, he enjoyed spending time at home with his family. He deeply loved his wife and children, and was a proud father.
Manuel is survived by his wife, Michelle; four daughters: Daniela Michelle, Adriana Isabel, Christina Gabriela, and Anabel Paloma Sanchez of the home; one son: Manuel Alejandro Sanchez of the home; his mother, Gloria Aguilar, of El Paso, Texas; his sister, Gloria Sanchez of El Paso, Texas; uncles, aunts, and many cousins of El Paso, TX, Las Cruces, New Mexico, and Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, and friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Vicente Sanchez and his nephew, Angel Montes.
Cremation has taken place. A celebration of life service will be held at 1:00 pm on Tuesday, November 5, 2019 at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Raymore, Missouri. There will be no visitation. The family will greet friends following the memorial service. Memorial contributions can be made to St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 377, Raymore, MO 64083 to help with funeral expenses and providing for the children.
