Julian Romulo Gonzales

Julian Romulo Gonzales, of Beaumont, died Wednesday, March 21, 2012, at Home Place in Groves, Texas. He was born July 3, 1919, in Bon Ami, Louisiana to Romulo Gonzales and Alice Lucille Collier Gonzales. The family later moved to Doucette, Texas where he started First Grade. During the Great Depression the family was living in Voth. In 1936, he moved to the CCC Camp at Tyrell Park. Later he worked at Kirby Lumber in Voth for 5 or 6 years prior to entering the Army in 1941.

He was in Co. G 148th Infantry as a Rifleman and used a 51mm Mortar. He fought at Guadalcanal, North Solomons, Luzon, Central Pacific and the Battle of Manila. He received the American Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Philippines Island Liberation with 1 Bronze star for Valor, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with 4 Bronze Stars. He was most proud of the CIB medal.

After the war, he began working the The Texas Company’s (Texaco) Port Neches Asphalt Plant. He retired in 1981 after 36 years of service. He was married to Irene Buckley Costanza in 1947 until her death in 1996 for Alzheimers. He helped raise her daughter, Beverly Jo Costanza McAllum, who was five years old when they married. He was a former long time member of the 1st Church of Nazarene in Beaumont and currently was a member of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Beaumont. He enjoyed his camp at Lowe’s Creek and traveling until Irene became sick. Later he enjoyed growing roses.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Lucia Fridley, Elsa Bobino Sonnier, Olivia Sonnier and brother, Victor Gonzales.

Survivors include daughters and son-in-laws, Nancy and Danny Taylor of Port Neches and Beverly and Richard McAllum of Burleson, Texas; grandchildren, Casey and Robert Redmon of Port Neches, Rick and Shelby McAllum of Longview, Texas, Robert and Harmony McAllum of Joshua, Texas, William and Michelle McAllum of Burleson, Texas; great-grandchildren, Alexander Redmon, Aubrie McAllum, John and Misty McAllum, Celia McAllum, Hannah McAllum and Mia McAllum; great-great-grandchildren: Ryland McAllum, Arlee McAllum and Keagan McAllum; uncle Quincy Buckalew and numerous nieces and nephews.

A gathering of family and friends will begin at 9 a.m., Saturday, March 24, 2012, with a Chapel service to follow at 10 a.m., at Forest Lawn Funeral Home, burial to follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to: St. Paul’s United Methodist, 4445 Pershing, Beaumont, Texas 77705 or Alzheimer’s Association Beaumont Chapter, 700 North, Beaumont, Texas 77701.