Joseph Gonzaque Jr.

Joseph Gonzaque, 86, of Henderson, Nevada passed away after a long battle with cancer at his home on August 3, 2023. He was surrounded by his daughters as he took his last breath. Joseph was born on May 14, 1937, to Joseph Gonzaque Sr. and Virgil Mary Wright in Natchitoches, Louisiana. He was the youngest son of 10 children.

He completed the 11th grade at St. Matthew High School in Melrose, Louisiana. In March of 1957, his father sent him to Las Vegas, Nevada to find work and live with his older brother, Henry E. Gonzaque. During his early years in Las Vegas, he enjoyed employment at Foxy’s Deli on the Strip, the El Morocco Casino, and the Nevada Test Site.

In West Las Vegas, he met Martha L. Robinson at Larry’s Sight and Sound record store. They dated and were married on June 4, 1965. Joseph continued working at the Nevada Test Site until he began working at the Clark County Road Department. While working for Clark County, he worked for Mr. Binion at the Horseshoe Hotel & Gambling Hall as a porter supervisor. He worked for the Clark County Road Department until January 14, 2000, retiring with 30+ years of service.

Joseph had the pleasure of knowing and admiring some of the great men of Las Vegas such as Joseph Hornstein, casino great Benny Binion, Jackie Gaughan & Steve Wynn, Sheriff Floyd Lamb, former mayor Oscar Goodman and former Senator Harry Reid. He had a wonderful relationship with his daughter’s godfather, Perry “Gold Dollar” Rose a cowboy and dear friend of Benny Binion. Another significant relationship he had was with Becky Behnen, daughter of Benny Binion. They shared many memories about his time at the Binion ranch in Montana and working for her dad.

He is remembered best for his distinct whistle, his singing of birthday songs, stories about his life, his many sayings, and his attitude about life. Joseph will be deeply missed not only by family and friends but also by anyone who met him because he was that kind of guy. He was an accomplished 33rd-degree Freemason of St. Paul’s Lodge #2, A.F. & A.M.

Joseph was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Martha; his grandson, Devin K. Gonzaque; his parents Joseph & Virgil Gonzaque; and his siblings: Lucile (Gonzaque) Antee, Raymond Gonzaque, Henry E. Gonzaque, Roy S. Gonzaque, Mark Gonzaque, Margaret (Gonzaque) Adamson, Cecial (Gonzaque) Yarbrough, and Josephine (Gonzaque) Wilson.

Joseph is survived by his daughters, Uvette (Calvin) Francis, and JoAnne Gonzaque; bonus son Ray (Sharney) Barnes Jr.; grandchildren: Ti’Ona Francis, Royce Gonzaque, Charlai (Jaire) Roberts, Calvin J. Francis, Kiaeem J. Gonzaque-Johnson, Arayah Barnes, Anyria Horner, Anikah Barnes, Aireion Barnes, and Aiden Barnes. Siblings: Kate (Gonzaque) Ward; Sister-in-law Ozie “Billie” Gonzaque. His godson Marquise Rose and parents Benny (Stephanie) Rose. A host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and friends.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.palmboulderhighway.com for the Gonzaque family.