Santos S. Gonzales III

The best word to describe Santos S. Gonzales III is inspirational. He inspired countless of hair stylists to live their dreams and live their lives with passion. He put his heart and soul into his work, his family and his hobbies.

He was a renowned hair stylist who won national medals for his work. Many considered him a creative genius. Later in life also became an accomplished archer competing in National competitions. At his death he was second in the state and ranked nationally in his age group.

Santos was born in Marfa, Texas on December 17, 1944 to Dolores and Santos Gonzales II. He often told stories of his days in Marfa including his time at the historical Blackwell Elementary School. He grew up in a time when Mexican-American children in Marfa were segregated. While those were trying times it taught him resilience and the will to do something great with his life. He graduated from Marfa High School where he was active in sports and earned the name, Speedy Gonzales.

He was the only boy among 5 siblings. He was preceded in death by his sisters Gudalupe Aguirre, Merced Aguire and Consuelo Hernandez. He was survived by his sister Elodia Cedillo.

He left Marfa when he was a teenager with only a few cents in his pocket and began cutting hair. He first worked at a small barber shop called Campos Barber Shop in Odessa charging only dollars for his haircuts. Before long he opened his own salon at the first mall in Odessa. He began competing across the world in hair styling competitions. He and his team won numerous trophies and medals including a National Championship in the 1970's. He styled hair for beauty contestants in the Miss Texas and Miss America Pageants.

He was loved by so many of the people he mentored as he taught them how to be the best they could be.

In 1970 he met the love of his life who he affectionately called "Mi Vida." He married Amalia Arispe two months after they met. They raised two daughters together Grace Gonzales and Rebecca Lopez. They loved hosting family gatherings where they would bring everyone together for holidays and special occasions.

You would often see Santos and Amalia at Odessa Permian games where they were season ticket holders. Santos loved his Mojo football and wore something Mojo, whether it was a hat or shirt, almost every day.

Santos and Amalia traveled the world together in their younger years. Later in life they took their grandson, Jacob Lopez, on multiple trips across the globe. They often said he was the light in their lives.

They were married for 50 years until Amalia's death on their 50th Wedding Anniversary in November 2020.

He often talked about his love of God and said everything he accomplished he owed to the Lord.

Along with being an archer, Santos was also a scuba diver, pianist, painter and photographer. His final words he told his grandson to live his life with passion!

He is survived by his children Grace Gonzales, Rebecca Lopez, Cynthia Romero and Eddie Gonzales.

Viewing will be at Thursday from 5-8 at Frank Wilson Funeral Home at 4635 Oakwood Drive Odessa. Rosary at 7pm. at Frank Wilson Funeral Home. Funeral mass will be held at 10am on Friday, January 28th at St. Anthony's Catholic Church, 1321 W. Monahans St, Odessa followed by interment at the Los Angeles section of Ector County Cemetery. His family asks that everyone please wear a mask at all times.