Jacob Sanchez, age 41, of Rockport, Texas, passed away after fighting mantle cell lymphoma, on November 14, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.  Jacob was born on May 15, 1984, in Odessa, Texas to Angelina and Frank Sanchez.

Jacob grew up in Pecos, TX and graduated from Pecos High School. Afterwards, Jacob attended UT Permian Basin and earned a Bachelor's Degree in English and attended Sul Ross State University to earn a Bachelor's Degree in Fine Arts.

He then started his career as an educator. He taught art in Balmorhea, TX, Grandfalls, TX and Monahans, TX. After that, he moved on to teach high school English at Rockport-Fulton ISD from September 2017-September 2025. He was certified to teach English, Art & ESL. Besides teaching in the classroom, Jacob was also a UIL coach, Open Mic Club & Travel sponsor. Jacob organized tours and traveled to many European countries with his students, including England, Spain, Portugal, France, & Italy.

Jacob lived a life filled with creativity, compassion, and a deep appreciation for the world around him. A dedicated teacher for over 15 years, Jacob touched countless lives through patience, encouragement, and a bit of ukulele playing along the way. He also played trumpet, guitar and mandolin with experience playing in a Mariachi band.

Not only was he a talented musician, but he was also a gifted artist whose creativity touched everything around him, and he found the greatest joy in moments spent with his family. Additionally, Jacob served as a member of Masonic Lodge in Monahans, TX as a Grand Worshipful Master. He also served as a Knight's Templar in Midland, TX.

Jacob always had a lifelong love for the ocean. From beach walks to sunsets on the shore with his dog Miley, Jacob found peace and wonder in anything related to the sea. It was his favorite place to recharge, reflect, and celebrate the beauty of nature. He loved watching dolphins swim by the shore in the morning with his mom, Angelina. He achieved one of his lifelong dreams by moving across the state and living the last part of his life by the ocean.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Frank Sr & Fidela Sanchez, maternal grandparents, Jesus & Mercedes Ornelas as well as uncles, Jesus Ornelas Jr., Reymundo Ornelas, Oscar Ornelas, Ricardo Ornelas and aunts, Sally Ornelas and Adelfa Sanchez Hevener.

Survivors include his loving parents, Angelina and Frank Sanchez; sister, Audra Sanchez-Woods; niece, Madelyn Woods; nephew, Brandon Woods; aunts and uncles, countless students, colleagues, and friends who will forever cherish his memory.

A celebration of Jacob's life will be held on Saturday December 6th, 2025, in Seguin, TX. Visitation will begin at 10:00am at St. James Catholic Church in Seguin, followed by the recitation of the Holy Rosary at 10:30am and the Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00am. Interment will follow in Guadalupe Valley Memorial Park. A reception will follow at the Silver Center.   For those who desire the service may be livestreamed at

https://s3-us-east-2.amazonaws.com/mf-fwp/hewell/hewell_20251206.html . To rewatch the service, you can access it here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1YM10VQk-ozklsrqrgo30fyWsOE19HLsm/view?usp=sharing

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Jacob's memory may be made to: Humane Society and Adoption Center of Rockport/Fulton in support of a special cause that was close to Jacob's heart.

Jacob's kindness, creativity, and love for the ocean will continue to ripple through the lives of everyone he touched.