David C. Gonzales

David came into this world on August 27, 1950, and his journey was characterized by remarkable courage, unwavering discipline, and an immense dedication to those he loved. He devoted 21 years to the United States Army’s distinguished 82nd Airborne Infantry Division, retiring with the honorable rank of Master Sergeant. A true warrior in every sense, his spirited competitiveness and tenacity remained with him long after he left the battlefield. Throughout his adult life, David also embraced education, earning a degree in Accounting and generously serving his communities as a Senior Accountant.

In 1994, David had the wonderful fortune of meeting his beloved spouse, Gloria, in Pharr, Tx after he bravely retired from his honorable service in the United States Army. David and Gloria were wholeheartedly devoted to cherishing their remaining years together, ensuring every moment was filled with warmth, love, and joy. Whether it was riding the open road on his cherished motorcycles, enjoying a round of golf, indulging in the latest films, exploring new places, or simply savoring a peaceful day at home, their time together created beautiful memories that reflected their deep love and unwavering commitment.

David was not only a proud patriot but also a devoted family man and a vibrant spirit; he led a life rich with honor, passion, and steadfast loyalty to the things that meant the most to him. This included being a loving father to his 6 kids and caring for his 3 family pets. He infused every aspect of his life with the same fiery enthusiasm, whether he was skillfully maneuvering through a game of chess or passionately cheering for his beloved Cowboys.

David is survived by his beloved wife, Gloria Banda-Gonzales, and his large and loving family:his children Amy Kearney (David Kearney); J.C. De La Cerda (Prisma De La Cerda); David Gonzales (Annette Gamez-Gonzales); Diamond De La Cerda (Terrell Cudjoe); Erik Gonzales (Angie Gammage-Gonzales); and Andrew De La Cerda (Angela De La Cerda); his sister Brenda Keisling (Mark); his grandchildren De Havin Watie Jr., Damyk Kearney, Dominic Garza, Jordan De La Cerda, Sean De La Cerda, Peyton De La Cerda, Alysia Gonzales, Adrianna Velez, Karina Velez-Gonzales, Camilla Gonzales, David Gonzales Jr., Zoe Gonzales, Emma Gonzales, Aden De La Cerda, Adrian De La Cerda, and Allison De La Cerda, and his great-grandchildren Oliver Bennett, Jodeci Vasquez, Mathew Perez Jr., Apollo Perez, Kylo Rojas who all brought him endless pride and joy. He also leaves behind his cherished family dogs—Sky, Mr. Beasley, and Dakota—who were always at his side.

He was preceded in death by his father Leonard Shoup and mother Della Shoup, his siblings Leonard Shoup Jr., Dolores Reminder, Gilbert Gonzales, and his granddaughter Selina Gonzales.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 15, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM, with a prayer service at 7:00 PM, at Funeraria Del Angel Palm Valley, 4607 North Sugar Road, Pharr, TX 78577. Funeral services will take place on Friday, May 16, 2025, at 11:30 AM, followed by burial at 1:00 PM at Rio Grande Valley State Veterans Cemetery, 2520 Inspiration Road, Mission, TX 78572.

David’s legacy of strength, love, laughter, and honor will live on in all who knew him. He was a soldier, a fighter, a mentor, a friend and a loving husband—and he will be dearly missed.