Apolonio Toby Sanchez, 59, resident of Mountainair, New Mexico, passed away on May 19, 2004, in Torrance, California. Toby was born in Punta de Agua, New Mexico to Tobias Hermano and Teresa Torrez Sanchez.

He married Sue Robinson on June 20, 1970, in Punta de Agua.

He is survived by his wife of 33 years; his mother, Teresa; three brothers, Vivian and wife Ester of Albuquerque; Mario of Allbuquerque; and Claude and wife Brenda of Elkhart, Kansas; four sisters, Cora Alderee of Torrance, California; Cecilia and husband, Joe Chavez, of Torreon; Dolores and husband, Orlando Lopez of Manizanio; and Carla and husband, Frank Lucero, of Mountainair; a sister-in-law, Linda Q. Sanchez of Alburquerque; two brothers-in-law, Farrell Robinson and wife, Alyce of Strong City, Oklahoma; and Gary Robinson and wife, Jerrie of Bowling Green, Kentucky; his godmother, Lola Daher of Albuquerque; two godchildren, Jessica Field of Albuquerque; and Francisco Lucern of Moriarty; uncles, Jermin Torres of Barstow, California; and Eloy Torrez and wife, Tina, of Puna de Agua; aunts, Elvira Gonzales of Punta de Agua; Mary and husband, Arthur Abeyta, of Santa Fe; Fose Torrez of Barstow, California; Merle Little and Pearl McGehee of Yucca Valley, California; and several beloved nephews, nephews and friends.

Toby also leaves behind three special "adopted daughters," Tammy Robinson, Liza Tafoya of Los Lumas; and Jo Weldin, all of whom will miss him dearly.

He was preceded in death by his father, Tobias; paternal grandparents, Ramon and Jesusita Sanchez; maternal grandparents, Jose Antonio and Juanita Torrez; his godfather, Torrez and Uncles Daniel Torrez and Tobias Gonzalas; and one aunt, Margaret Torres.

Toby spent a short time in the Army, from which he received an honorary medical discharge. He was honored for his service to his country by a rendition of Taps on the trumpet by Jerome Tafoya.

He was a member of the Saint Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Punta de Agua.

A rosary was led by Manuel Chavez on Tuesday, May 25, 2004, at Harris-Hanlon Mortuary in Mountainair. A mass was celebrated by Father Florian Renaud, with the readings recited by Toby Tafoya on Wednesday, May 26, 2004 at the St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Punta de Agua. The burial immediately followed at the church cemetery, where a rendition of Amazing Grace was played on the trumpet by Jerome Tafoya.

A very special thanks goes to Naphie Lavato for her friendship and coordination of the reception that followed the burial in Mountainair at St. Alice Catholic Church Parish Hall.

Pallbearers were Francisco Lucero, Anthony Lucero, Arman-do Lucero, Vincnet Sanchez, Gaylon Robinson, Adrian Sanchez and Jusin Sanchez.

Honorary pallbearers were Fidel Lovato, Johnny Ortiz, Fidel Padilla, Sam Shaw, Lee Thomas, Wayne Rapp, Jake Sanchez, Jessica Field, Jim Blake, Tom Zamora and Eliseo Padilla.

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