Martin Ismael Gonzalez Jr.

Ismael Gonzalez Jr., "Martin" age 72, of Temple, Texas passed away on Monday, February 8, 2021 at Scott and White Hospital, Temple. Martin was born on April 24, 1948 at Memorial Hospital in Corpus Christi, Texas, to Ismael Gonzalez Sr. and Teresa Leija. Martin was raised in Corpus Christi and in Houston. On November 26, 1994 Martin exchanged wedding vows with Diana Lucilla Valdez at the St. John Vianney Catholic Church in Houston, Texas. Martin was blessed with five children, Rachel Guevara and husband Rodney, Ismael "Smiley" Gonzalez III and wife Peggy and Ruben Gonzalez, Steven Gomez and wife Tammy, Mike Gomez and wife Rosemary. They were also blessed with four grandchildren, twelve grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren, grandchildren are: Morgan, Samantha, April, Cameron, Angel, Ismael IV, Julian, Priscilla, Enrique, Bernie, Antonio, Rosa, Dominque, Savannah, Sandy and Shanna. Great-grandchildren are: Angeli, Andy, Maricela, Mia Rose, Liam, Jose, Roseann, Romeo, Gabby, Mathew and Ruben. His primary occupation was Diesel Mechanic. He worked for 40 years as a diesel mechanic with various companies until he retired in 2008. He entered the military with the Marine Corp on January 7, 1965 as a Private (E-1) and fought in the Vietnam War after which he was honorably discharged on April 4, 1969 as a Corporal (E-4). During his term in the Military, he learned his trade as a diesel mechanic which he worked for 40 years until his retirement in January 2008. Martin saw action in the Vietnam War. Through his hard work and dedication, he achieved the rank of Corporal E-4`. He received several awards recognizing his for his heroism, including a Presidential Unit Citation 1st award' Good Conduct Medal 1st award; National Defense Medal 1st award; Vietnamese Service Medal; Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal and Rifle Sharpshooters. He enjoyed fishing, spending time with the grandchildren, BBQ's with family, family outings and going to the movies. He was a 4th degree with the Knight of Columbus and he was also a member of the Masons. He was a member of St. Matthews Catholic Church for about 10 years and when we moved to Pflugerville, he was a member of St. Elizabeth Catholic Church for 4 years. He is survived by his wife Diana, his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his youngest son, Ruben Gonzalez in 2013 and his siblings, Elena Rodriguez, Teresa Esquivel, Carlos Garza, Emmitt Rodriguez and Alejandro Rodriguez. A visitation and rosary for Ismael will be held Monday, February 22, 2021 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home, Temple, TX with Rosary at 7:00pm. Graveside services will be held on Tuesday, February 23, 2021 at 3:00 PM at Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery, Killeen, Texas with Military Honors. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.crawfordbowerstemple.com for the Gonzalez family.