Edward Vincent Gonzales Sr.

Eddie grew up in Houston, where he attended San Jacinto High School. He was preceded in death by his parents, Vicente Gonzales and Cleofas Menchaca Gonzales, and his two older sisters, Connie Garcia and Esther Ward.

He is survived by his younger sister Rebecca Clinton; his beloved daughter and son/caretakers Debra Gonzales and Edward Gonzales, Jr.; and son Brandon Gonzales, his wife Mary Kate, and daughter Heather Gonzales. Eddie was blessed with seven grandchildren — Katie Lamirand, Kelly Brezovar, Evan Henke, Kirbie Gonzales, Eily Gonzales, Liam Gonzales, and Maggie Gonzales — and six great-grandchildren. He is also survived by former wives and mothers of his children, Gloria Golick and Julia Klein.

An entrepreneur from an early age, Eddie opened a Mexican panadería — Gonzales Bakery — at just 17 years old after his father passed away, stepping in to help support his mother and sister. He continued his life’s work in the food and beverage industry through his company, Gonzales Sales and Marketing, and remained dedicated to his craft until the very end. Eddie made his own way in the world — resourceful, determined, hardworking, and generous all his years.

A strong and lifelong Christian, Eddie grew up in the church and spent many decades as a member of Second Baptist Church, always with his best friend Don Milheim by his side. If you knew Eddie, you knew Don — a joyful duo both at church and on the dance floor. Together, they celebrated life fully and touched countless hearts with Jesus at the helm.

Eddie also cherished evenings spent sharing meals with friends — often at Post Oak Grill, Grotto, McCormick & Schmick’s, or Maggiano’s — where laughter, stories, dancing and friendship were always on the menu.

Anyone who knew Eddie will attest to his kind, sweet, and generous spirit. He leaves behind a warm legacy of faith, love, and service that lives on through those he touched.

Eddie loved sports and was an avid golfer. He traveled with the Dallas Cowboys as a Hispanic promoter, cheered for the Houston Astros with his daughter Debbie, and proudly served as a Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo BBQ Judge for over 20 years. He lived life to the fullest, never met a stranger, and made countless friendships along the way.

Eddie was deeply loved by all who knew him, and he will be profoundly missed.

In lieu of customary remembrances, memorial donations may be directed to Samaritan’s Purse (www.samaritanspurse.org) in memory of Edward Vincent Gonzales.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” — Matthew 25:23