Jose O. Sandoval

Jose was born on August 27, 1942, in Villa Morelos, San Luis Potosí, Mexico, to Tereso Sandoval and Maria Oropeza. He was the second to the youngest; he had 9 brothers and sisters. He is survived by his wife of Estela, three children, eight grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren, one brother, Manuel, and one sister, Dolores. He started working when he was five years old, he would shine shoes to make a few cents to help the family out. As he got a little bit older, he would then go collecting paper with one of his older brothers and they would sell the paper for recycle money. The family moved north to Ensenada,Baja California, where he grew up.  He got his first real job at a mortuary at the age of 15 and then when he turned 17 he joined the Mexican military. In the early 60s, he met his beautiful wife, Estela, in Ensenada. Soon after he moved to Los Angeles to try to make a better living, and when he was ready, he came back and married Estela and they moved to Los Angeles to begin their new life together. They were on their way to becoming US citizens. He found a job at a mortuary, since he had previous experience, and they began their life.  They soon had two new babies and he found a new job at Kal Kan dog foods.  He worked his way up the ladder quickly and became the quality control lead. He bought His first house in the city of Los Angeles in 1970 and was blessed with another baby. A few years later he was able to upgrade it to an apartment complex. Which started his career as a business owner. 1978 he had saved up enough money and with the sale of the apartment complex He was able to buy an AAMCO transmissions franchise and he moved his family to small town of Hanford California. He became a prominent business owner and a big part of our community.

He became a member of the Hanford, Chamber of Commerce, Kiwanis club and the Knights of Columbus where he served as Grand Knight.  25 years later he was able to drop the franchise name and go independent as Sandoval transmissions.  During this time, he opened up a gas station and a sign shop, which he later sold. He loved to watch wrestling especially Lucha Libre!  And he loved to watch soccer and baseball.  He was a big Dodger fan. He was a Strong, Independent man, he was respected by all and was loved by many.  He was a great father and extraordinary grandfather. He was hardworking, light-hearted, kind and loving.  He loved working outside!  He was a very giving man and was always willing to help anyone.  He never gave up and accomplished all of his dreams. He finally retired in 2023 and wanted to do some traveling. He went to Cabo, Reno and Laughlin, Nevada. He loved to gamble.

But, last year in 2024 he began his battle with cancer.  He remained strong and vibrant and always had his happy outlook in life. He would joke around with all of the nurses and the doctors during all of the treatments. He made light of everything and put up a good fight.  He was a light of our life and the pillar of our family. He will truly be missed, but oh how beautiful it is for him to be in the house of the Lord!

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