Pedro “Popo” Sandoval

June 22, 1940 – March 23, 2026

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,  I will fear no evil, for you are with me;” — Psalm 23:4

God called him home. It is with profound grief and immeasurable love that the family of Pedro “Popo” Sandoval announces his peaceful passing on March 23, 2026, in Midland, Texas, surrounded by the family he cherished above all else. He was 85 years old.

Pedro was born on June 22, 1940, in Brackettville, Texas, to George and Epifanio Sandoval. Raised with a strong faith and a tireless work ethic, he grew into a man of remarkable character. In his youth, he worked as a rancher in Brackettville, and he distinguished himself as a renowned boxer, a pursuit that earned him great respect in his community. Yet when love found him, he did not hesitate. He put down his gloves and gave his whole heart to his family.

On November 16, 1963, in Crane, Texas, Pedro united in holy matrimony with the love of his life, Linda Sandoval. Together they built a home rooted in faith, devotion, and laughter. Their marriage was a testament to enduring love. A partnership that spanned more than six decades and brought forth four wonderful children. Even after hanging up his boxing gloves, Popo continued to share his passion for the sport by coaching youth boxers at Golden Gloves Boxing Club, pouring into the next generation with the same dedication he gave everything else in life.

A man of diligence, Pedro built a distinguished career in public service and the oilfield. He served honorably with the Highway Department in Crane and later pursued a career in the oilfield, where his tenacity and reliability made him a respected figure among his peers. He retired from Crane County, but his love for his work was so great that he returned for several more years before retiring once more. He wore his career not as a title, but as an extension of who he was: a man who showed up. Every. Single. Day.

A devoted Catholic, Popo lived his faith with quiet conviction. His greatest joy, however, was found in the people he loved. He was a true family man in every sense of the word , one who lived for his wife, his children, and the ever-growing circle of family that gathered around him. Whether at the beloved family reunions held in Fort Clark and Brackettville or in the quiet moments at home, he made every person feel seen, cherished, and proud. He boasted of his nieces and nephews with the same fierce pride he reserved for his own children. Family was not just important to Popo. It was everything.

In his final years, nothing lit Popo’s world quite like his two great-grandchildren, Cromartie and Solana Cavazos. They were the light of his life until the very end, and he loved them with a tenderness and joy that those present will never forget.

He is survived by: His beloved wife, Linda Sandoval; his four children: Deanna Baker and her son Tye Heard; Rosemary Cavazos and her husband John Cavazos, and their son Jolson Cavazos; Veronica Sandoval and her husband Ben Carrillo, and their son Austin Sandoval; and Pete Joel Sandoval. Three grandchildren; three honorary grandchildren: Justine Sandoval, wife of Austin Sandoval, Junella Garcia, partner of Jolson Cavazos, and Adrienne Martinez, partner of Tye Heard; and two great-grandchildren, Cromartie and Solana Cavazos. His brother, George Sandoval and wife Rosa Sandoval; and his sister, Elaine LeBlanc and husband Jose.

He was preceded in death by: His parents, George and Epifanio Sandoval; his sisters, Christina Castaneda and her husband Frank, Alvina Cadena and her husband Manuel, and Chavela Diaz and her husband Gilbert; and his brothers, Juan Sandoval and his wife Natalia, Paul Sandoval and his wife Tilley, Joe Sandoval and his wife Bertha, and Jesse Sandoval and his wife Vel Marie and son-in-law Billy Baker.

Pallbearers:  Pete Sandoval, Ben Carrillo, John Cavazos, Tye Heard, Austin Sandoval, and Jolson Cavazos.

Honorary Pallbearers:  Chris Cummings, Pete Lara, Domingo Escobedo, Victor Sanchez, Ray Sanchez, Russell Sandoval, Rick Cadena, Ronnie Ornelas on behalf of the Ornelas family, Fred Aguilar, Josh Sandoval, Tommy Sandoval, and Wally Heredia, JJ Sandoval, Gus Sandoval, Robbie Lilley, Fernando Moreno on behalf of Pancho Morado, Wyatt Givan, and Georgie Sandoval.

“My Father’s house has many rooms;” “if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?” — John 14:2

Popo; husband, father, grandfather, and friend to all who knew him. He fought a good fight. He finished the race. He kept the faith.

Until we meet again.