Fidencio Bonilla Sandate, Jr.

Fidencio Sandate Jr, 87, passed away at his residence on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. 

Born on November 16, 1938, to Fidencio and Maria (Bonilla) Sandate, he was a 1957 graduate of Newton High School. 

On March 1, 1965, in Miami, Oklahoma, he was united in marriage to Nancy Billig. 

A devoted family man and a very proud United States Marine, Jr. served his country in the 1st Battalion, 7th Marines. His pride in the Corps never faded throughout his entire life. Whenever he met another Marine, he would greet them with a heartfelt and enthusiastic, "Semper Fi, Marine." 

Following his military service, Jr. worked as a Quality Control Technician for Lucent Technologies, where he was known for his strong work ethic and commitment to doing things the right way. 

Outside of work, his life was full of energy, curiosity, and joy. He loved time with his children and grandchildren visiting theme parks in Orlando, roller coasters were a favorite Jr. really enjoyed music and wine events at the parks. At home, if he was not watching the news, he could be found enjoying westerns, especially John Wayne films, or cheering on the Kansas City Chiefs and the Kansas Jayhawks. Jr. had a fun and playful side as well. He loved using the “rent” button on Amazon Prime so he could view classic movies, often surprising is family at the end of each month. More recently he enjoyed asking Alexa to play smooth jazz throughout the house. 

Jr. is survived by his wife, Nancy Sandate; his children, Michael (Bertie) Sandate, Marcella (Steve) Fuhrer, and James Sandate; seven grandchildren, Michael (Christa), Sage, Maria, Bryan, Zachary (Megan), Logan and Lana and seven great grandchildren, six siblings Armeda, Vera, Celio, Gilbert, Carol and Tony. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Santiago (Jimmy) Sandate. 

A Rosary Service will be held at 9:30 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, 421 S. Ash St., Newton, Kansas. Interment, with full military honors, will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery in Newton, Kansas.

In lieu of flowers, memorial remembrances to Disabled American Veterans, 5400 West National Avenue BLDG VBA, Room 162, Milwaukee, WI (Disabled American Veterans) would be appreciated