Jesus Gonzales

It is with great sadness that the family of Jesus Gonzales announces his passing on Saturday, January 18, 2025, at the age of 92 years. Jesus (Jesse) will be lovingly remembered by his five children Maria Lazo (Gerard), Yolanda Picazo (William), Jesus Gonzales, Jr., Jaime Gonzales, and Diane Hayes (Brian). Jesse will also be lovingly remembered by his six grandchildren, Christopher William Picazo, Danielle Marie Picazo, Addison Joseph Hayes (Morgan), Gabriel Thomas Hayes (Lauren), Jessica Anne Morris (Michael), and Gabriella Alicya Gonzales as well as four great grandchildren, David William Arzate, Michael Daniel Arzate, Marcus Gabriel Arzate, and Oliver Cameron Hayes. Jesse is survived by his sisters Carmen Garza and Andrea Bravo and was predeceased by his wife of 63 years, Dora Nino Gonzales, and his brothers Ramon Garcia and Joe Garcia and sister Elida Ponce. Jesse will forever be remembered by his nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends.

Jesse volunteered to join the Army and served honorably in The Korean War where he was awarded a Purple Heart and Silver Star Medal for his valor in combat. Later he and Dora attended regular meetings, activities, and annual reunions for multiple veteran organizations, including the American GI Forum in Odem, TX and Houston, TX, Combat Infantryman's Badge Assoc., 8th Cavalry Regiment Assoc., AMVETS, Korean War Veterans Assoc., and the VFW in Odem, TX. He also actively fundraised for Veterans Helping Veterans.

During his lifetime, Jesse dedicated his time and effort to build a happy and successful family. He personally built the family's first home in Odem, TX and then purchased a second after moving to Houston to secure better opportunities. Always the planner, he started his own company, Houston Metal Products, and mentored and collaborated with his trusted colleagues.

Jesse and Dora raised five children, assuring that they were all safe and secure in their futures. They continued their support of family by seeing to the well being of grandchildren and great-grandchildren. For many years, Jesse and Dora hosted Christmas Eve parties for friends and family with traditional tamales, a large pot of freshly-prepared menudo, and pan dulce for everyone to enjoy amongst conversation, Christmas caroling, and entertainment. To keep the family connected through the years, Jesse began reunions gathered in a large home to spend time together and remember the importance of family. Jesse was the strong and dedicated head of the family and will be missed.

There will be a visitation on Monday, February 3, 2025 from 12:00 pm-1:00 pm followed by a funeral liturgy and light refreshments at American Heritage Funeral Home at 10710 Veterans Memorial Drive, Houston, Texas. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to your local Alzheimer's Association.