Nemesio M. Gonzalez

Nemesio Mendoza “Mencho” Gonzalez, 89, died at Christus Spohn Shoreline Hospital on April 21, 2014 in Corpus Christi, TX. Nemesio was the oldest son of Nemesio B. Gonzalez and Manuela M. Gonzalez. He was born on November 4, 1924 in Mindietta, a ranching community 14 miles North of San Diego, TX.

He graduated from San Diego H.S. on May 27, 1943 and was a member of the San Diego District and Bi-District Champion football team in 1941. Nemesio was drafted into the United States Navy June 26, 1943 and was assigned to an escort aircraft carrier, the U.S.S. Windham Bay, CVE-92 in February 1944. His fleet was part of Bull Halsey’s fleet that was caught in a terrific 120 knot typhoon. He proudly served in the Pacific Southwest until December 17, 1945.

Nemesio was married to Virginia Solis “Hope” Gonzalez on December 26, 1949 in San Diego, TX. He and Hope moved to Corpus Christi in 1950. He attended Del Mar College and in 1951 obtained a job at N.A.S. Corpus Christi. He worked there for 42 ½ years. During his employment and attendance at Del Mar he was very active in civil rights organizations, such as the American G.I. Forum where he served as an officer of the local and district chapter. Nemesio was also active in union activities and served as shop steward and on the contract writing committee of the American Federation of Government Employees at the Army Depot for nearly thirty years.

After his retirement Nemesio volunteered his services to CCISD at Kostoryz Elementary helping students who were deficient in arithmetic.

He is survived by his loyal and loving wife of 64 years Virginia S. Gonzalez; six children, Sandra G. Martinez (Efrain) of C.C., TX, Eddie S. Gonzalez (Gilma) of Pearl River, TX, Larry S. Gonzalez (Sandra) of C.C., TX, Brenda G. Wright (Barry) of Round Rock, TX, Nancy G. Briseno of C.C., TX and Joyce S. Gonzalez of Austin, TX. Nemesio also leaves behind 13 grandchildren, Erica, Michael, Efrain, Marcella, Zaneta, Rita, Mariel, Estevan, Omar, Meghan, Lawrence, Hannah and Joel; 5 great- grandchildren, Arianna, Efrain James, August, Oliver and Roman; siblings, Heberto M. Gonzalez, Noe M. Gonzalez and Minerva G. Alvarado and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to all doctors, nurses and caregivers, especially Valerie De Leon and Victoria Valdez who served “Dad” to the end

Visitation for Nemesio will be held at Funeraria del Angel Memorial Holly on Thursday, April 24, 2014 from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm with a Holy Rosary to be recited at 7:00 pm that same evening. Funeral Mass will be held at Christ the King Catholic Church on Friday, April 25, 2014 at 1:00 pm with interment to follow at Memory Gardens Cemetery.

To offer condolences please visit www.funerariadelangelmholly.com