Rafael M. Gonzales

Rafael M. Gonzales, a devoted father, husband, son, brother, passed away at the age of 93 on January 5, 2018 in San Antonio, Texas. He was born on November 11, 1924 in Westoff, Texas to Rafael C. Gonzales and Martina Morales. He was a hard worker from a young age and was drafted into the US Army during his senior year of high school. He proudly served in Normandy during WWII, was wounded six weeks into the invasion and was hospitalized for one year. Rafael was honorably discharged and returned home. He was awarded the Purple Heart and other medals for his service. He married Maria Minerva and had 5 children.

He welcomed all challenges and accomplished 48 years of Civil Service employment at Kelly AFB and was also a part time Real Estate Agent.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Maria Minerva, sisters, Rose and Candi and brothers Tim, Louis and Tom.

Rafael is survived by children: Ralph Gonzales (Lale), Hector Gonzales (Rendi), Dianna Gonzales-Wood (Michael), Mark Gonzales (Sunni), Melissa Lopez (Rodolfo); Grandchildren: Steven Gonzales, Clint Gonzales, Jennifer Gonzales, Laura Castleton, Evie Curtis, Antonia Peach, Nicoletta Pinopoulos, Alexandria Middleton, Michael Gonzales, Kiersten Jones, Brock Gonzales, Marlayna Lopez, Rudy Lopez, Savannah Wood, Dominic Gonzales, Joshua Gonzales, Trevor Logan Moore & Peyton Moore; Great-grandchildren: Logan, Asher, Sebastian Sisters: Martha, Belen, Francis, Margaret, Annie Brothers: Alfred, Manuel and Val.

Visitation will be Wednesday January 17 at 5:00 PM followed by a Rosary at 7:00 PM. at Porter Loring Mortuary on McCullough.

Mass will be held at 9 am on Thursday, January 18, 2018 at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church 600 Oblate Dr.

Interment with Full Military Honors will follow at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.

Pallbearers: Mark Gonzales, Steven Gonzales, Brock Gonzales, Rudy Lopez Jr., Ricky Gonzales, Gair Allie & David Olivarez.

Father Chris will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in the name of Rafael M. Gonzales may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project (www.woundedwarriorproject.com).