Jose Salomon Gonzales

Jose was born to Tomas and Auerlia Mary Gonzales in Las Vegas, New Mexico on August 12, 1949 he was the 6th of 13 children. He then moved to Brighton at the age of 8 with his family where they settled their roots.

Jose Gonzales served in the U.S. Army when he was drafted in 1968 and became a Combat Engineer serving in the Vietnam War from January 4, 1969 to January 4, 1970. Jose received an Honorable Discharge upon completion of his military service and was awarded the National Defense Service Medal with two Bronze Service Stars as well as the Vietnam Campaign Medal with a 60's Device. Jose was proud to serve his country and became a lifetime member on the Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 1071, Denver in 2015. He served as Sgt-at-Arms until his passing. Chapter members stated that he was a great asset.

One of his biggest accomplishments was helping construct the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Brighton, CO in the year 2018.

Upon returning from Vietnam Jose found a career working at Keebler Bakery as a machine operator. It was also during this time that he would meet the love of his life his late wife Catherine "Cathy" Gonzales. They would than marry on March 26,1989 in Lake Tahoe, Nevada. They would bring together a beautifully blended family of 5 Children, Jose S. Gonzales Jr., Monica Granillo (Pedro), and Michael "Mike" Gonzales, Kenneth "Ken" Tunson (Debi), and Clenton Tunson Jr. Grand Children include: Nathan Gonzales, Melissa Munoz (Ulises), Antonio Granillo, Trinity Richardson, Jaida Roberson, Tierra, Detri, and Nia Tunson. Great grandchildren : Romen and Santino Gonzales of New Mexico, Alita "Hurricane" Munoz, Ayla due in February 2026 and Sol Roberson.

Jose is preceded in death by his parents, his wife of 48 years Cathy, 3 brothers Leroy, Demecio, and Thomas Jr Gonzales, as well as 2 sisters Lenora Landgren and Julia Medrano.

Jose was respected by all and will surely be missed by all who knew him. Although he is no longer with us, his legacy and love for those around him will remain forever. May he rest in peace.