Gabriel M. Sanchez, 99, passed away on November 16, 2016, in Tularosa, N.M. He was born on October 10, 1917, in Lincoln, N.M., to Torebio and Aurelia (Martinez) Sanchez. Gabriel Sanchez is a veteran of WWII where he served as a proud US Army soldier. His tour of duty had him in various European countries, primarily France and Germany. He helped liberate Dachau Concentration Camp. After his military service he returned to New Mexico at which time he married Margaret Baca. They began a life together and raised their family of two daughters and two boys. Gabriel Sanchez was a member of the American Legion. He was active in the Parish of St. Francis de Paula Catholic Church in Tularosa as well at the Santo Nino Church in Three Rivers. Gabriel served as Mayordomo of the St. Francis Catholic Church in Tularosa, N.M. Gabriel was preceded in death by his father, Torebio Sanchez, mother, Aurelia. Survivors include his wife, Margaret Sanchez, his two daughters, Dolores "Dolly" (Willie) Brusuelas of Tularosa, N.M., Teresa (Joe) Rodriguez; two sons, Sam (Eileen) Sanchez of Taos, N.M., Michael (Marie) Sanchez; fifteen grandchildren and numerous great grandchildren as well as great–great grandchildren.The Vigil with Rosary for Gabriel Sanchez will be recited at 9:30 a.m., Tuesday, November 22, 2016, at St. Francis de Paula Catholic. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, November 22, 2016, at St. Francis de Paula Catholic Church with Father Theo Okatar being the Celebrant.Burial will follow at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Tularosa, NM.Pallbearers are Gabriel Sanchez' grandsons: Johnny Vickery, Michael Vickery, Sam G. Sanchez, Danny Sanchez, David Sanchez, Michael Sanchez and Joe Rodriguez.Honorary pallbearers are Gabriel Sanchez' great grandchildren as well as his great-great grandchildren. The Sanchez family has entrusted their loved one to the care of Alamogordo Funeral Home, Inc. to direct the funeral services.To sign the online register book, please visit www.alamogordofuneralhome.org.