SIKJN Ed Sanchez, 60, of Galesburg, died peacefully at home Wednesday, September 18, 2019 at 5:56 p.m.
Ed was born October 13, 1958 in Galesburg, the son of Leonardo and Guadalupe (Leon) Sanchez. Ed is survived by his fiancé, Lindsay Cation of Galesburg; two sons, Justin Sanchez of Champaign and Blake Sanchez of Galesburg; three daughters, Ashley (Laura) Weeks-Sanchez, Noel Sanchez, and Selena Sanchez all of Galesburg; and six grandchildren, Jada and Keira Admire, Miguel and Salvador Hernandez, and Sydney and Easton Jones. Ed was preceded in death by his parents.
Ed started Kuk Sool Won in 1978. It soon became his passion and the rest of his life was centered around KSW. He owned and operated Kuk Sool Won of Galesburg since 1988, mentoring and teaching many. He taught his children the value of Kuk Sool Won. Eventually his eldest daughter, Ashley became one of the instructors and co-owner. They spent many years working and training side by side. A lifelong discipline, Master Ed was promoted to SIKJN (8th degree black belt) Wednesday. To Ed, the community of Galesburg was everything. He spent many years raising money for foundations like D.A.R.E. and the Galesburg Community Foundation. He loved kids and had a deep passion for giving them the confidence, discipline, and respect that comes with Kuk Sool Won training. Master Ed will be missed by many but he will live on through all those he touched and through the history of Kuk Sool Won.
The rosary will be prayed at 3 p.m. Sunday, September 22, 2019 at Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. Visitation will follow from 4 to 7 p.m. The Funeral Mass will be 1:30 p.m. Monday, September 23, 2019 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Galesburg. Rev. Father Jacob Rose will officiate, Rev. Msgr. Ernie Pizzamiglio will concelebrate. Burial will follow in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Galesburg. Memorials may be directed to the Galesburg Community Foundation. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.
