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Jose Florentino Gonzales, lovingly known as Joe, was born on October 16, 1935, in Paige, Texas, to Andres and Maria Gonzales. He passed away peacefully at sunrise on May 25, 2025, surrounded by his beloved wife, Mercedes, and their children. Joe is survived by his devoted wife, Mercedes; his children: Rene, Blanca and Bill Field, Xavier, Roel and Charlene Gonzales, and Joey; his grandchildren: Greg, Damiana, Noah, Nate, Natalie, Navee, Abigail, Nehemiah, Olive, Zachariah, Zephaniah, and Jasper; and his great-granddaughter, Kenzie. He is preceded in death by their beloved infant, Baby Jesus. Raised on a farm, Joe learned the value of hard work early and carried those principles with him throughout his life. He played football at Giddings High School and Blinn College before serving honorably in the United States Navy from 1957 to 1960. He was recommended for reenlistment and received the Good Conduct Medal. After his service, Joe worked in a brick yard before taking a stable position at Kelly Air Force Base—a decision inspired by the love of his life, Mercedes, who made that job a condition of marriage. Joe gladly accepted. The two were introduced by his sister, Dina, while Mercedes was in nursing school in Waco. He pursued her wholeheartedly, even following her to Corpus Christi while she worked at Spohn Hospital. They later married in 1962, honeymooned in Mexico City, and began their life together in San Antonio with a ’57 Chevy full of wedding gifts. A devout Catholic, Joe received all the sacraments available to a married man. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus until the local chapter dissolved, and he served faithfully as a Sacristan for 10 years. Joe was deeply involved in the ACTS Retreat ministry, and he and Mercedes attended daily Mass, oversaw Adoration on Wednesdays, and worked for many years with the St. Vincent de Paul Society. Every night, Joe knelt to pray, reciting oraciones passed down from his mother. Joe wore many hats in life: Navy veteran, Spanish substitute teacher, handyman, Aggie fan, and family man. He taught his granddaughter to drive, saw President John F. Kennedy in San Antonio the day before his assassination, and supported his favorite teams—the Spurs, Astros, and Cowboys—with great enthusiasm. He had a talent for fixing and building, never resting until a job was done right. Alongside his brother Santos and their father, he built a barn on Highway 21 near Paige that still stands today—a testament to Joe’s enduring craftsmanship and spirit. Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Maria and Andres; his sisters, Chita and Dina; and his brothers, Tony, Zac, Domingo, Milton, Santos, Lobo, Angel, and Albert. He is survived by his sisters, Rosario and Connie, and his brother Reyes. Joe’s life was a legacy of faith, family, and devotion. He built his life the way he built everything else—with care, strength, and a love that will last forever.

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Jose F. Gonzales

October 16, 1935 - May 25, 2025