Manuel D. Gonzales, 86, passed on entering into eternal rest on December 25 2023.

Manuel was born August 1, 1937, in Sliver City, N.M.  He is son of Rosa Dominguez and Geronimo Gonzales and preceded in death by his parents and siblings; Theodora Mecendez, Edward Gonzales, Jose Gonzales, Basilio Gonzales, Frank Gonzales, Albert Gonzales and Concha Millan.  He is survived by one brother, Geronimo Gonzales (Beatrice), his two children; (son) Manuel Gonzales of Arenas Valley, (daughter) Maxine (Ole) Llamas of Mesa, Arizona. Also, our four Grand-children, Steven Anthony Madrid (Jamie) of Morenci, Az. Stephanie Anissa Madrid of Morenci, Az. Katrina Nikole Sanchez (Oscar) of Las Cruces, N.M. Manuel Gonzales III of Arenas Valley, NM.  Also, our seven Great Grand-children; Beverly Christine Sanchez, Joseph Andrew Sanchez, Sofia Mckenzie Sanchez, Nickolas Ethan Sanchez, Rachel Raelynn Madrid, Elliana Ellen Madrid, Cameila Amor Madrid, including numerous nieces and nephews.

Manuel attended Lincoln Elementary School and Silver High School; however, he left his schooling to join the U.S. Navy in 1955.  Receiving training in San Diego, CA he embarked on the Vannam DE-644, and taking him through the Southern and China seas.  Completing his journey with the U.S. Navy he received an honorable discharge in September of 1959.  Following soon after his discharge he met the love of his life (Guadalupe Loera) that would become his loving wife, mother of 2 and better half for the recent past of 58 years.

In his time Manuel enjoyed various sports including; Archery and Baseball, but Bowling being his favorite by far.  He became a volunteer Fire Fighter with the Whiskey Creek Fire Department, when it first originated in the 1980s.

At the beginning of his working years, he strived and successfully and completed his GED.  After 33 plus well served years of working as a Meter Reader he retired from PNM Gas Company to embrace the most difficult task to come, being a retired hard working, loving husband.

Following he was an active church member of Our Lady of Fatima Parrish of Bayard, NM.  He is a Knights of Columbus 3rd degree member. Manuel was also commissioned as Extra-Ordinary Eucharistic Minister by Father Koa in 2001 and a Labyrinth Facilitator.

And like most grandparents, his greatest joys and happiest of times were spending time with his kids, grandkids, and great grandchildren.

Visitation will be Thursday, January 4, 2024, from 5-6pm at Terrazas Funeral Chapels with the holy rosary to commence at 6pm with Danny Legarda reciting.  The funeral mass with full military honors will be celebrated on Friday, January 5th at 10am at Our Lady of Fatima Church with Father Martin Okonkwo officiating.  Pallbearers are Manuel Gonzales III, Steven Anthony Madrid, Joseph Sanchez, Oscar Sanchez, Stephanie Madrid, and Hector Gonzales.

Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels “Trusted care for the ones you love” ~ 575-537-0777.  To send condolences, visit www.terrazasfuneralchapel.com .