On January 28, 2012, Colonel Jose Rene Gonzales (United States Air Force Retired) passed away surrounded by his family members.
Colonel Gonzales was 71 years old and a native of his beloved San Benito.
He served with distinction in the Air Force for 26 years and was stationed in the United States, Europe, Latin America, and Asia.
Colonel Gonzales held a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Texas, and Master’s Degrees from the Air Force Institute of Technology and the Air War College respectively.
Colonel Gonzales was preceded in death by both his parents, Juan Gonzalez and Guadalupe Salazar Gonzalez.
He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Estella Balli Ybarra Gonzales of Washington, D.C., his daughter Rebecca Eliza Gonzales posted at the American Embassy, Pretoria, South Africa; his son Jerome Rene (Amanda) Gonzales of Washington, D.C., and grandson Imagine Alexander Gonzales.
His surviving siblings are: Dr. Juan (Juanita) Gonzalez of Austin, TX; Christina Gonzalez of San Benito, TX; Anna (Oscar) de la Fuente of San Benito, TX; Sister Mary John of San Antonio, TX; Dr. Gustavo (Lupita) Gonzalez of Kingsville, TX; Enrique (Patricia) Gonzalez of Edmond, OK; and Guadalupe (Ed) Gonzalez of Ft. Worth, TX.
A rosary was prayed on Friday, February 3 at 7 p.m. and a mass of resurrection will be held on Saturday, February 4, at 10 a.m. Both services will be held at the St. Teresa Catholic Church in San Benito.
The Gonzales family respectfully requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to St. Teresa Catholic Church, P.O. Box 1839, San Benito Texas, 78586. Colonel Gonzales will be interred at the Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia.
The Gonzales family expresses its sincere appreciation to medical professionals as follows: Dr. Marco Araneda and Texas Oncology staff members, especially Dori, Erica, and Danny; Dr. James Castillo and Nurse Practitioner Henrietta Peynado; Odyssey Healthcare staff, especially Rosemary and Jennifer; and the entire La Hacienda Healthcare Staff members, with a special thanks to Eric de Leon, for their outstanding, compassionate care and professionalism. The Gonzales family also gives a heartfelt thanks to Gloria Rivera for her dedication, assistance, and support throughout Colonel Gonzales’ illness.
Colonel Gonzales will always be remembered for his intelligence, generosity, patriotism and noble spirit.
1 comments
Primo,
May the Lord above have you at his side as you come to rest after your toil here on earth. While we did not see you after our visit in San Benito some years ago, My wife and I had you in our prayers and know you are now at rest. Thank you for your service. Gustavo Gonzalez, primo