Jose Gonzales, Jr.

Jose Guadalupe Gonzales, Jr. was born on January 12, 1949 in Somerville, TX to Jose Guadalupe Gonzales, Sr. and Sotera Oliva. He graduated from Somerville High School, earned an Associate’s Degree at Blinn College in Brenham, TX and attended Texas A&M University in College Station, TX.

“Joe” had an affinity for Native American culture and artifacts, feathers, arrowheads, and blades of all shapes and sizes. Forever a jokester and always a knife on his belt, he was known to say he would “cut you for acting up”.

Joe was a history buff, domino champ, and a legendary storyteller. His talent and passion for woodwork led him to a life-long career as a carpenter, and his legacy remains in the masterful works of art he leaves behind... and the love and memories he has carved on our hearts forever.

At 71 years old, he had the eyes of a child, the soul of a wise man, and the heart of a dreamer.

On Tuesday, October 13, 2020, our favorite carpenter hammered in the last nail on his final masterpiece, took his tool belt off one last time, and climbed the beautiful staircase to his eternal home.

Although we are heartbroken, we will find peace as we listen for his voice in the wind and feel comforted by the smallest feather, because we know his spirit lives on.

“Youths grow weary and tired, and vigorous young men stumble badly, yet those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary.” Isaiah 40:30-31

He is survived by his wife of 21 years, Janet McNutt; two sons, Adrian Gonzales and spouse Kendall, and Joshua Gonzales; daughters Joanna Gonzales and spouse Jason Ray, and April Gonzales Lewis; grandchildren, Jonathan and wife Hayley, Anthony, Tyler, Gage, Mabrey, and Cadence; great grandchildren Avery and Jett; brothers Bennie Gonzales, Frank Gonzales, and Lazaro Gonzales; and sisters Sylveria DeLeon, Zenaida DeLeon, Marcelina DeLeon, Helen Vasquez, Geneva Garcia, Theresa Pratt, and Linda Ramirez.

Joe is preceded in death by his brother Freddie Gonzales.

Serving as Pallbearers will be Adrian Gonzales, Joshua Gonzales, Jonathan Balboa, Anthony Balboa, Tyler Lewis, Gage Gonzales, Jason Ray, and BJ Jimenez.

Honorary Pallbearers are Mabrey Lewis, Cadence Gonzales, Avery Balboa, and Jett Balboa and Robert Putnam.