Victor M. Gonzales, 77, of Hurley entered eternal rest on Tuesday, January 26, 2016 at Mountain View Rehabilitation Center in Las Cruces, NM.
He was born in Truth of Consequences, NM on June 20, 1938 to Pedro and Micaela Gonzales.
Mr. Gonzales served honorably in the United States Marine Corps. During his tour of duty, he was an artillery man. His last assignment was with 8-inch Howitzer battery, Force Troops, at Marine Corps Base, 29 Palms, California. Upon completion of his duty he was awarded the Good Conduct Medal and Honorable Discharge. Upon his return to New Mexico he worked in construction, law enforcement, Santa Fe Railroad and ended his career in Parks and Recreation.
He lived life on his own terms and taught his family the importance of strong work ethic, respect and independence. He was very much a family man who made time to coach, attend games and be the ultimate supporter for his kids. He also enjoyed his many friends. He will long be remembered for his incredible sense of humor.
He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Ester A. Gonzales; his two sons, Mark Salcedo (Hilda) of Las Cruces, Victor S. Gonzales (Amy) of Alamogordo; his three daughters, Melinda Gonzales of Burke, Virginia; Grace Gonzales of Las Cruces; Sandra Gonzales of Silver City. He is also survived by three grandsons, Victor Stephen (Stephanie), Adam Gonzales and Marc Salcedo; four granddaughters, Shannon and Breanna Salcedo, Jerica Quintana (Leo) and Dustee Montoya; his great-grandchildren, Analisa and Enrique Quinteros, Sielo and Adrian Salcedo, Esteven Gonzales, Zayden and Xavien Quintana; three brothers, Ismael Gonzales (Jovita), Eloy Gonzales (Annie) of Bayard; Pedro Gonzales (Pauline) of Albuquerque; his three sisters, Tomasita Rodriguez of Hurley; Della Rodriguez of Bayard; Teresa Keys (Walter) of El Paso, TX; one sister-in-law, Laura Moreno of Phoenix, AZ; also survived by several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Pedro and Micaela Gonzales; his in-laws, Jose and Fannie Arellano; two brothers-in-law, Ruben Rodriguez and Richard Arellano; one nephew, Joey Moreno and one great niece, Diana Jaramillo; his best friend, Juan A. Chip.
Visitation will be Sunday, January 31 from 4-5pm at Terrazas Funeral Chapels with the prayer vigil and holy rosary to begin at 5pm with Deacon Art Gutierrez reciting.
The funeral liturgy will be celebrated on Monday, February 1 at 10am at Infant Jesus Shrine with Father Roberto Barreto officiating. Concluding service interment will follow at Fort Bayard National Cemetery with full military honors.
Pallbearers will be Victor Stephen Gonzales, Adam Gonzales, Marc Salcedo, Craig Gonzales, Peter Gonzales, Roy Martinez, Eric Martinez and Lez Gonzales. Honorary pallbearers are the rest of his family and friends.
Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels GǣTrusted care for the ones you love" ~ 575-537-0777.
To send condolences, visit www.terrazasfuneralchapel.com.