Maximo Gomez Santos

On Friday, September 28, 2018 the Lord carried Maximo Gomez Santos through the heavenly gates to join his parents and siblings rejoicing in his homecoming. Maximo was born on January 25, 1939 in Las Cruces, Lagos de Moreno, Jalisco, Mexico. The eldest of nine children, Maximo travelled to the United States in 1953. He attended elementary school in McAllen, Texas. The family later moved to California. As migrant farmworkers, the family lived and worked in Etiwanda, Merced, Planada, and Gilroy. Maximo was an avid fisherman. He never ate what he caught, he just loved fishing and being outdoors. He enjoyed music and was a self-taught guitarist. He had a magical “green thumb”. He could grow anything. Family, friends and neighbors enjoyed the fruits of his labors. He will be missed by his constant canine companions; Chico, Chica and Burro. Sadly, they wait for their master’s return. Maximo’s life was not an easy one. He learned to deal with a life full of challenges to his spirit, body and mind. Maximo married Mercedes Aguilar and had five children; Maximo Jr. (Fontana), Mario (Red Bluff), Michael, Steven and Monica (Merced). Surviving siblings include Jesus Santos (Madera), Jose Santos (Reno), Soledad Rubio and Margaret Lambert (Merced). He also leaves behind grandchildren, great grandchildren, nephews and nieces. He is preceded in death by his parents Esteban and Antonia Santos and brothers, Efren, Francisco, Benito I, and Benito II. Special thanks to the doctors and staff of Mercy Medical Center for their acts of kindness and compassion shown to Maximo and his family during his stay. Services will be held on Monday, October 15, 2018 at our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church located on 459 W. 21 Street, Merced. A rosary will begin at 9:30 am followed by a mass at 10:00am. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery located at 260 W. Childs Avenue, Merced.