Donn Albert (Donn) Gonzales was the third and youngest child of Alfred & Herlinda (Linda) Gonzales, and was born in Laredo, Texas on May 17, 1969.
Donn once mentioned to his brother, “I love being a Nurse Practitioner and intended to do this until the day I die.”
And unfortunately, he did.
On Monday, July 17, 2023 Donn was killed after getting off work in a traffic accident in Comal county, near Spring Branch, Texas.
As a child Donn was very loving and caring of others. He was a thoughtful and considerate son and brother, and is probably best remembered as being mischievous.
Donn graduated in 1987 from San Angelo Central High School and was also a member of the football team that advanced to the Regional Finals.
As a struggling single father, Donn knew exactly where he wanted to be. And more importantly, where he didn’t want to be.
Donn’s ambition, determination, willingness to work hard and persevere directed him on a journey to the medical field.
Donn pulled himself up by his “boot straps” in his lengthy medical career.
Donn began in 1994 at Shannon as an EKG War Room Tech, or Telly Tech as they were referred to back then.
In 1996 Donn became a Licensed Vocational Nurse, and in 2001 a Registered Nurse, graduating from Angelo State University for both.
Donn has two children, Michael Cameron Gonzales and Meghan Leigh Peters.
On July 8, 2000 Donn and Mary Llanas went on their very first date. It also happened to be her birthday.
On November 14, 2004 Donn and Mary Elva Llanas were married, and Donn was immediately blessed with “three additional sons;” Luis Llanas, Gabriel Llanas and Adrian Llanas.
In a very short time, Donn and the boy’s developed a strong bond and loved each other unconditionally. To the point that, “In their eye’s Donn was always right,” much to Mary’s chagrin.
Mary has stated that, “these 23 years were the most wonderful years of her life.”
In 2004 he graduated from Harden-Simmons University, with honors, as a Nurse Practitioner.
Donn was most recently employed by Baptist Resolute Health System of San Antonio and Premise Health Toyota of San Antonio as a Nurse Practitioner.
Donn was well known and respected in his craft.
Donn’s specialty as a Nurse Practitioner was in Emergency Room Care. He always said, “That he preferred working in the Emergency Room because it keeps my skills sharp.”
Donn enjoyed his yearly deer hunting excursions with his father, brother, and others which had become a “family tradition.”
Donn also enjoyed his fishing trips to the Corpus Christi area with Mary and the boys.
Donn was preceded in death by his Grandparents, Rodolfo and Mary Gonzales and Evelio and Oralia Villarreal.
Donn is survived by his “Love” Mary Gonzales; His parents, Alfred and Linda Gonzales. Brother Alfred Jr., and Sofia Gonzales and their children Brianna, Amanda, and Sergio. Also, Amanda’s children; Adrian and Aubrey. Also his sister Theresa Gonzales, her children Monica Chavarria and Emilio De La Cruz.
His brother in law, Emiterio and Mary Lopez.
His children, Cameron Gonzales and Meghan Peters; Luis Llanas, Gabriel and Marina Llanas, and Adrian and Erika Llanas.
Grandchildren Lillyana and Nathanial; Christopher and Josefina Llanas; Avery Llanas.
A rosary for Donn will be held Monday, July 24, 2023 at 7:00 PM at Johnson's Funeral Home, 435 W Beauregard Ave, San Angelo, Texas 76903. A celebration of life will occur Tuesday, July 25, 2023 at 10:00 AM at Johnson's Funeral Home.
