Eloy Gonzales

Eloy Gonzales passed into the arms of our Lord on June 21, 2022, just 11 days before his 93rd birthday. Eloy was born in New Braunfels, Texas to Victor and Concha (Padilla) Gonzales. He grew up in New Braunfels where he attended school and played trumpet as a member of the NBHS Band. In 1949, Eloy joined the Army, where he continued to play the trumpet in the Army Band. Soon afterwards, the Army made him trade in his trumpet for a rifle. Eloy spent time in the trenches of South Korea to include the Battle of Incheon.

During his R&R, Eloy met a beautiful Japanese woman named Tamie, who he knew would become his wife. They were married on May 28, 1951, at the Army Chapel. In 1952, Eloy was Honorably Discharged from the Army, at which time he returned to New Braunfels and began working at Mission Valley Mills. He remained there for 16 years until he decided to pursue a career as a Heli Arc Welder. He commuted daily to San Antonio to work at Turbine Support where he received many accolades and awards, working there until his retirement. Eloy was a great mechanic who loved to work on cars and eventually on motorcycles. In later years, he worked exclusively on repairing lawn mowers.

In 2016, Eloy was diagnosed with chronic congestive heart failure. In 2019, doctors told his family that Eloy had only 6 months left to live. However, Eloy was a fighter and defied the odds for many years, continuing with his life, taking care of his wife, Tamie, and being active in the community. Eloy was deeply loved and admired by so many people. New Braunfels will always remember this man of great faith who gave so much of his time. A member of Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church for many years, Eloy became a 4th Degree Knight in the Knights of Columbus. He traveled throughout many Catholic churches in Texas delivering his speech about God and the Knights. He knew the speech from memory, never having to refer to his notes, etc. Eloy will surely be missed, especially by his family.

Eloy was preceded in death by: His parents, Victor and Concha Gonzales. Brothers: Ruben Gonzales and Gilbert Gonzales. Daughter, Ann Read. Daughter-in-law, Melissa Read.

Eloy is survived by: His wife of 71 years, Tamie (Nakano) Gonzales. Brother, Jaime Gonzales (Frances). Sister, Lydia Martinez (Chester). Daughters: Kay (Gonzales) Alanis (Lyndall Grant), Clara (Gonzales) Janik (Mark), and Kathy Gonzales (friend Jessica Ramirez). Son-in-law, Steve Read (Ann). Grandchildren: Alan Alanis (Tanya), Lisa (Alanis) Rosch (Will), Dr. Steven Mitchell Read (Shanna), Spencer Read (Julie), Colleen (Goff) Bell (James ‘Lib’), Andrea (Goff) Fontaine (Frank), Scott Goff (Amanda Garza). Great-grandchildren: Analisa Alanis, Madelyn Rosch, Jonah Alanis, Toby Alanis, Ryen Alanis, Ethan Valderrama, Ewen Valderrama, Keira Bell, Isaac Goff, Ila Goff, Lillianna Ybanez, Michiko Ybanez, Brian Read, Samantha Read, Jacob Read, and Roman Read.

Visitation will be at Zoeller Funeral Home, 615 Landa St, New Braunfels, Texas 78130 on Monday, June 27, from 5 to 9 p.m., with the Holy Rosary recited at 7 p.m. Funeral Mass will be held at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church, 386 N Castell Ave, New Braunfels, TX 78130 on Tuesday, June 28, at 10 a.m. followed by the Rite of Committal with Army Honors at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Cemetery #1, Peace Ave, New Braunfels, TX 78130. Reception to follow at the Knights of Columbus #4183, 111 Landa St, New Braunfels, TX, 78130. We invite you to make a donation to Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church, 386 N Castell Ave, New Braunfels, TX 78130 New Braunfels, TX.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ZoellerFuneralHm.com for the Gonzales family.