Alton Goetzel

1940 – 2025

With heavy hearts, we share that Alton “Gator” Goetzel passed away peacefully on October 20, 2025, at the age of 85 in San Antonio, Texas, surrounded by the love of his family. He shared his life with his devoted wife, Barbara, and together they built a beautiful story of love, laughter, and unwavering strength.

Born and raised in South Texas, Alton spent his life working hard and caring deeply for those around him. He built a long career as an oil and gas pipeline supervisor and retired from Coastal States. After retirement, he and Barbara spent many joyful years traveling the country, creating countless memories together. One of their favorite chapters was the time they spent working side by side in Yellowstone National Park — a place that always held a special spot in their hearts.

Gator was a proud Army veteran who served his country with honor. He was an avid hunter and outdoorsman who loved being in nature. There wasn’t anything he couldn’t fix or build — he took care of everything and everyone with steady hands and a generous heart.

Those who knew him will always remember his kind, gentle soul, his quiet strength, and his deep, endless love for his wife and family. His marriage to Barbara, his loving wife of 43 years, was the kind of love that most only dream of — a bond so deep and true it inspired everyone who saw it. He was not only a wonderful father but a devoted stepfather who loved his stepchildren as his own.

He is survived by his loving wife, Barbara Goetzel; his children, Alton Goetzel Jr. (Denise), Robin Christine Goetzel Schmidt (Paul), and Thomas Christopher Goetzel; and his stepchildren, Alan Buttery (Sylvia), Shari LaFleur (Mark), and Rebecca Roberts (Morgan). He is also survived by his siblings, Loretta Bierstedt (Bobby), Burnell Goetzel, and Lorraine House, as well as many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and extended family who will forever hold him close in their hearts.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Hilmer and Lora Goetzel, and his sister-in-law, Geraldine Goetzel.

Gator was the rock of his family — strong, patient, and full of quiet wisdom. He meant the world to those who loved him, and his presence will forever be missed.

A Military Honors service will be held at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, located at 1520 Harry Wurzbach Rd, San Antonio, TX 78209, on October 30, 2025, from 10:00 am to 10:10 am.

Committal services will be held on Thursday, October 30, 2025, at 10:10 a.m to 10:30 am at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, located at 1520 Harry Wurzbach Rd, San Antonio, TX, 78209)