Salvador H Gonzalez

Born on September 29, 1930 in Falfurrias, Texas to Josefa Hinojosa and Clemente Gonzalez, Salvador “La Maravilla” H. Gonzalez passed away peacefully in San Antonio, Texas on December 14, 2024. He is preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Heriberto, a son, Xavier, and his wife of 68 yrs, Esperanza H. Gonzalez. He is survived by two daughters, Melissa Gonzalez of San Antonio, TX. and Katherine “Kathy” Gonzalez of Austin, TX. He is also survived by his son Salvador “Sonny” Gonzalez, Jr. (Jennifer) of Austin, TX. and a daughter-in-law Veda Gonzalez of Halfway, MO. Salvador is survived by eight grandchildren whom he loved and was very proud of: Tomas Gonzalez, Alyssa (Ben) Humphreys, Aron Gonzalez, Sara Gonzalez, Ana (Ben) Easterly, Noemi (Storm) Massey, Elena Gonzalez and Evelyn Gonzalez. Salvador is also survived by his seven great grandchildren whom he loved and adored: Alex, Anthony, Aziel, Majaya, Peponi, Mia, and Michael

After graduating from Falfurrias High School, Salvador enlisted in the U.S. Army in June 1949 as a Private First Class and was honorably discharged in December 1952 as one of the youngest Master Sergeants in the U.S. Army. He was stationed in Japan, Germany, and Korea. Salvador proudly served his country and fought in the Korean War with the First Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment at the Chosin Reservoir. The number of US Troops sent to the Chosin Reservoir numbered 2500. They were outnumbered by the Chinese almost 10 to 1 with less than 10% of the US Troops surviving the battle at Chosin. These “survivors” formed a brotherhood calling themselves “The Chosin Few.” Salvador fought in sub-zero weather with minimal clothing to protect them from the elements. Salvador was awarded the Korean Service Medal with five Bronze Stars; the United Nations Service Medal; the Occupation Army Medal and the Presidential (Republic of Korea) Unit Citation.

Upon his honorable discharge from the US Army, Salvador attended and completed the DeVry Institute School of Electronics in Chicago, Illinois. When he returned home after completing his education at DeVry, Salvador opened and operated his own business, naming it “Falfurrias Radio and TV Service,” through 1998. Salvador gave of his time and talents to the community. He was the first certified County Commissioner of Precinct #4, as well as City Housing Authority Commission for eight years. He served on the Brooks County Appraisal District Board of Directors for 12 years. He was a member of the exclusive fraternity of honor called, “The Chosin Few,” referring to the few survivors of the battle at Chosin. Salvador was a charter member of the Veterans of the 32nd Infantry Regiment, 7th Division.

Funeral Services will be held on January 6, 2025 at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, in Falfurrias, TX beginning with Visitation from 9:30 am - 1030 am, followed by the Rosary from 10:30 am - 11:30 am. The funeral Mass will be held at 12 noon. Immediately following the mass, Lunch will be served at the Parish Hall.

Burial Services will be held on January 8, 2025 with full Military Honors at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio, TX at 10:30 am and will be conducted by Rev. Charles Banks, O.M.I.

Pallbearers

Tomas Gonzalez

Aron Gonzalez

Marcus Aguilar

Michael Aguilar

Ben Humphreys

Ben Easterly

Storm Massey

Samuel Garcia

Honorary Pallbearer

Anthony Gonzalez