Rafael Ralph Gonzales

August 25, 1947 – December 13, 2010

Rafael “Ralph” Gonzales, 63, passed away Monday, December 13, 2010 after a long struggle with his health. Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m., Thursday, December 16, 2010 at St. Jerome Catholic Church, 9820 Chapel Road, with Rev. Rakshaganathan Selvaraj, Celebrant. Burial will follow at Waco Memorial Park. Visitation will be 6 to 7 p.m., Wednesday, December 15, 2010 at Connally/Compton Funeral Directors Chapel and a rosary will be recited at 7:00 p.m. by Deacon David Morales.

Ralph will be dearly missed by many family and friends. He never had any kids of his own, but he was like a father to many of his nieces and nephews. When he became ill and needed a kidney, his niece Candice Curran, without hesitation gave him one of her own. He had a great personally and always had a story to tell. Ralph had a strong love for music. He enjoyed booking and traveling with the Latin Express Band from Fort Worth, Texas, whom he dearly loved. He was a lifetime member and past officer of the Waco Missions Recreation Club. He was also an avid fisherman and was in a dart league having host many tournaments in both areas back in the day.

Ralph is preceded in death by his father, Charlie Gonzales; and brother, Carlos Gonzales.

Ralph is survived by his mother, Apolinar Q. Gonzales of Lorena; brother, Victor Gonzales and wife, Terry, of Hewitt; sisters, Rita Elmore and Laura Arocha and husband, Carlos, all of Lorena; sister-in-law, Susie Gonzales of Waco; several nieces and nephews; and two very special girls he considered his own, Adriana and Vanessa Vega.

Pallbearers will be Louis Fajardo, Frank Gonzales, Joe Gonzales, Louis Gonzales, Carlos Saenz and Leo Saenz.

Honorary pallbearers will be Carlos Paul Arocha, Estevan Angelo Saenz, Mauricio Saenz Jaurigui, Rosendo “Roy” Garcia, John Luis Olmos, and Joseph Rodriguez.

Family would like to thank Courtyard at Hewitt and Providence Hospice for the love and care given to Ralph.

Memorials can be made to Providence Hospice or Brazos Kidney Center.

Arrangements under the direction of Connally-Compton Funeral Directors, Waco, TX.