Eugenio Jr. was born February 17, 1973 to Bertha and Eugenio Gonzales Sr. in San Angelo, Tx. Gene wasn’t a man of many words but when he did speak, he had a way of making you feel special. From an early age he was fighter, whether it was for his health, for a friend, or a spot on his beloved Bobcat football team. He was a natural born athlete who loved football and basketball, his love for the game paved the way for his calling of becoming a teacher and coach. Gene graduated from Central High School in 1991. He became a coach of multiple sports after obtaining his Bachelor of Arts in Education with a minor in kinesiology from Texas Wesleyan University. One of his other passions was literature and art. Gene shared his appreciation for the written word while teaching High School English. Coach G known by his students at Ft. Worth Poly Tech, Baytown Lee Ganders, Lake Highland Wildcats, and Saginaw Rough Riders was able to impact the lives of not only his Athletes but every Student, Coach, and Faculty Member who had the privilege of knowing him. Even though Gene never had children of his own he taught and cared for his students like his own. Coach G was a very humble man, to the point some might think “very private” but when it came to his student’s successes in the classroom or on the field, even in life in general he was always proud. His method of teaching them was not just curriculum, but about life, perseverance and how to be a good person. He lived by example. He would send scores after every game, progress on tests, or prayer requests for anyone who needed it to his family back home. Before every game or major test Coach G would call his beloved mother, Bertha and ask her for prayers for his students. Gene was a devout Catholic, growing up in a tight nit family rich in faith. It was the foundation of his parent’s example, that built his love for humanity that made it quite easy to see the good in all people. His big sisters Gracie and Lisa were big influences in the man he would become. Grace taught him be strong and Lisa took him to his first rock concert. It was there she changed his life. Music combined his love of the written word and powerful drumbeat moving through your body. He called the death metal poetry. Gene never missed an opportunity to see a live band. Van Halen, Guns n Roses, Suicidal Tendencies, Metallica, Slayer, Pantera the list goes on and on, it was his passion he shared with his lifelong friends and passed down to nieces and nephews. If you were ever blessed to attend a concert with him, you would know he came to life with a drink in one hand and horns in the other head banging the night away! Gene lived his life to the fullest and in the moment. He loved creating memories with his nieces and nephews and treated them like his own. Gene was the cool uncle who took you to your first concert, Rangers, Mavs or Cowboy game, or for a ride in one of his fast cars but he was not afraid to set you straight when you were out of line. When Gene spoke you listened, but also when you spoke HE listened, he gave the greatest advice and so very thoughtful. He loved the fast lane, whether it was driving his dream car, his Corvette or feeling the open road in his Harley either way he had the wind in his hair and music as loud as it would go.
Gene now gets to team up in Heaven with his Jefecito, Eugene Gonzales Sr. his two brothers Ines and Ines Gene Gonzales. Maternal Grandparents Jose and Jesusita Castillo, paternal grandparents Ines and Juanita Gonzales all of San Angelo, TX.
Our hero leaves behind his MVP’s, his Mother, Bertha Gonzales, Sisters Graciela Gonzales of San Angelo, Tx, Elisa Falter husband Alfredo of Ft. Worth, Tx. His first team starters include Nephew, Andrew Flores, wife Jessica, Niece Monica Navarro, husband, Robert, of San Angelo. Nephew Alfredo Falter Jr., and Niece, Gabriela Falter of Ft. Worth, Tx. His Great team includes Illiana “Jumpy” Flores, Andres “Mo” Flores Jr, Karina “Flaca” Munoz, Mylena “Pipa” Navarro, Roberto Eugenio “Guero” Navarro all of San Angelo, Tx. Numerous Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins whom all adored him.
Pallbearers will be Andrew Flores, Alfredo Falter Jr., Joe Camarena, Johnny Castillo, Patricia Castillo, Freddie Escobedo, Tracie White, Andres Flores Jr., Freddie Segura, and Roberto Eugenio Navarro.
Honorary pallbearers include the Coaches and Students of Saginaw HS, Lake Highlands HS, Baytown Lee HS, and Poly Tech HS.
The Family wishes to thank all the students and staff that sent beautiful letters and tributes to Coach G. And would like to express the deepest gratitude to the family and friends for their continued support and prayers during this difficult time. Traditional viewing will be Saturday, March 20, 2021 from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. The Holy Rosary will be recited 6 p.m. Sunday, March 21, at Johnson’s Funeral Home, 435 W. Beauregard Ave., San Angelo, Tx. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, March 22, 2021, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 7 W. Ave. N. with Rev. Joey Faylona as celebrant. Interment will follow in Calvary Cemetery.
The family requests that everyone wear a mask during all services, exercise social distancing practices, and abide by the safety guidelines.
