Salvador “Chava” was born on December 22, 1932 in El Paso, Texas to Manuel and Soledad Gonzalez. He attended and graduated from Jefferson High School in El Paso, Texas. After graduation he enlisted in the U.S. Army and was assigned to Battery C 68th AAA Battalion. He was shipped out to join the Korean War earning the National Defense Service Medal, the UN Service Medal and the Korean Service Medal. He was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army on November 30, 1960.
On September 24, 1961, Salvador married Rosalia Garcia in a loving union that lasted 58 years. Four children were born of their union: Jaime, Javier, Veronica (deceased) and Salvador Jr.
Salvador worked as a Detention Enforcement Officer for the U.S. Border Patrol in a career that spanned 27 years. His service included commendations for participating in the Cuban Project in Fort Chaffee, Arkansas and the Haitian Alien Resettlement Program in Miami, Florida.
Retiring in 1990, Salvador settled into civilian life and enjoyed fishing, traveling and watching the Dallas Cowboys along with baseball. Salvador and his wife, Rosalia were foster parents for over 15 years. Salvador was a strong and compassionate man. He lived a life of service to others, loved his grandchildren dearly and was a very loving father, husband and grandpa.
Salvador is survived by his wife Rosalia and sons, Jaime, Javier their wives, Leticia and Yvette, son Salvador Jr. and siblings, Arturo, Adan and sister, Delfina. He leaves behind seven grandchildren, Andrew, Amanda, Jasmine, Stephanie, Joey, Jaime Jr., and Luis. He is preceded in his death by his brothers, Valente and Martin Gonzalez.
*Services will be private due to COVID-19 restrictions*
