Mr. Tony Rex Maestas passed away at his sister’s home on Saturday, September 26, 2015, following a courageous battle with cancer. Tony was born on May 25, 1958 in Butte, the son of Manuel and Elizabeth (Chacon) Sanchez.
Tony was educated at Washington Elementary and attended Butte High School before earning his GED at Montana Tech. Tony believed that “No job was too small.” He faced life with a positive attitude, a joyful heart, and a “can do” spirit. He worked at lawn care and telemarketing; however, he enjoyed his job as a firefighter with the Forest Service most of all. He was employed as a kitchen assistant at the Hanging Five Family Restaurant until his illness made it necessary for him to retire. He lived simply and humbly. He didn’t have much, but he was always willing to share. Tony found his happiness in helping others.
You can’t live in Montana without learning to love the outdoors, and Tony did. He loved the time spent fishing, folfing, gardening, or just taking long walks and enjoying the day. He also spent many pleasant hours working puzzles, reading, drawing, and spending time with family and friends. Fall brought football season, Tony’s favorite time of year. He was a HUGE sports fan and an avid “Packer Backer”. He could always been seen proudly wearing his beloved Green Bay Packers letterman’s jacket and the hat to match. The greatest joy of his life was his daughter, Mercedes.
Tony was preceded in death by his parents; his grand parents, Adolf and Josephine Sanchez, and Martin and Phillis Chacon; uncles, Paul Maestas, Jim Virgil, Joe Chacon, Jake Sanchez, and Willie Sanchez; aunt, Mary Espinoza, and son, Canyon Maestas. He is survived by his very special companion of 8 years, Jamie Church; daughter, Mercedes; brothers, sisters, and their spouses, Del and Terrie Shanchez, Shirley and John Garcia, Tom Shanchez, Lorraine Reighard, Mary Anne Sanchez, Theresa Vigil, and Dean Maestas; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Dear Brother,
Our hearts are broken. We know you will be watching over us and Mercedes. We love you and we will never forget you. Gone too soon … you will be missed greatly. Rest in Peace.
Friends are asked to join the family on Friday after 10:00 am in the Duggan Dolan Mortuary Chapel. Funeral services will be conducted at 11:00 am. Interment will follow in Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery.
