Donato Sanchez

Donato Garcia Sanchez, Jr. (DJ Poder) passed away at a local hospital Tuesday, May 23, 2023 surrounded by his family. Donato was born September 19, 1974 to Donato Garcia Sanchez, Sr. and Lucy Felan Sanchez. Donato is a graduate of University High School class of 1993. After high school Donato began his 28 year career as a Tejano disc jockey.

Donato (DJ Poder) and his cousin DJ Rob began traveling Texas playing Tejano music at concerts, clubs and private events. Donato (DJ Poder) hosted a two-hour Tejano show on La Ley 104.1 reaching number one in the central Texas area. Donato received fan mail for his show from all over the United States and as far as London, England. One couple wrote DJ Poder, attesting his music had them falling in love all over again while dancing every Sunday in their living room. Donato was local favorite DJ among all age groups. Jamie Mejia a long-time friend of Donato’s shared his story of how they met at Tom and Jerry’s. Donato and Jamie had a few conversations then Donato took over the weekly Sunday Tejano show. Jamie credits Donato for building up the Tejano audience when there was little support in the area. Jamie and Donato knew the show was a success when Donato earned a 24 share rating! Jaime also shares how Donato became DJ Poder. Jamie was interviewing El Poder Del Norte and Donato came by to meet the band. Jamie introduced Donato as DJ Poder as a joke but then the name stuck. The family wants to Thank Jamie Mejia for being a great friend to DJ Poder and helping his music dreams come true.

Donato was Bubba to his siblings LucyAnn and Alejandro. As the oldest he always made sure his siblings were taken care of. Their adventures included jumping off the roof of garage onto an old mattress. Bubba pushing them in grocery carts at the old Albertson’s parking lot, off Hwy 6. Bubba laughing while his brother and sister screamed at the top of their lungs. Once they got lost on a Dart bus in downtown Dallas. He often made them homemade treats after school. Bubba taught them how to make biscuit donuts. Donato supported his siblings by attending soccer and baseball games. Bubba also gave his parents a couple of gray hairs during his lifetime throwing after parties at home. One time getting the windshield to his dad’s car cracked. Way to go Bubba!

Donato was stepdad to Alicia and Maria. Donato raised Alicia from age seven to adulthood. Their shared love of athletic jerseys and music bonded them. Alicia learned to DJ herself to continue Donato’s love of music. She became known as DJ Brat. Maria admired her stepdad for his unconditional love, hugs and love and support for her children. She loved to swing the door up and yell Dad! It’s me Tutti. Where are you? Sarina Martinez or as Donato called her Lorena was the first apple of his eye. Poppo became Donato’s new name with his first grandchild Sarina. From there Poppo helped with childcare for his grandkids. He went to school plays, lunches, baseball games and babysat on weekends.

Donato is survived by his father Donato Sanchez, Sr. of Waco. Sister, Honorable LucyAnn Sanchez-Miramontez and husband Antonio Miramontez of Waco. Brother, Alejandro Felan Sanchez and wife Susan Normandin Sanchez of Hewitt. Stepdaughters Alicia Oliveraz of Waco. Maria Martinez and husband Mike Martinez of San Antonio, TX. Grandchildren Sarina Martinez, Santiago Martinez, Ashley Garcia, LeAnn Garcia and Gabriella Garcia. Great-granddaughter Olivia Grace. Nephews and nieces, Mike Sanchez, Gene Sanchez, Cemona Sanchez, Frances Sanchez, Omar Garcia-Sanchez, Donato Adrian Garcia-Sanchez III.

Pallbearers for burial service are his nephews, cousin’s Mark Garcia and Ray Garcia Jr.

Services for Donato Thursday May 25th 6pm-8pm, Rosary recitation will be 7pm at Pecan Grove Funeral Home (3124 Robinson Dr, Waco, TX 76706)
Saturday, May 27th 9am Graveside Services Rosemond Garden of Memories (3361 S.4th St. Waco, TX 76706). Reception following at Sacred Heart Catholic Church Banquet Hall (2710 Speight Ave, Waco, TX 76711)