Alfredo B. Gonzalez

Alfredo B. Gonzalez passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his loving family on February 8, 2020 at the age of 97 and went to be with his Lord & Savior. He was born on March 17,1922 in San Carlos, Mexico to Guadalupe & Antonio Becerra Gonzalez. He is now reunited with his beloved wife of 72 years Sara Gonzalez, as being apart from her for 7 months was too much for him to bear.

Alfredo married the love of his life whom he fell in love with at first sight while they were both, by the Grace of God, walking down the same railroad tracks in Harlingen, TX. They married shortly thereafter on April 15, 1947. He loved his God, his wife, and his family with all his soul. They were blessed to have 11 children, 26 grandchildren, 58 great grand-children, and 12 great-great grandchildren. Five generations which he loved dearly and took great pride in and he would pray for God’s blessings on each of us. Our Father was a spiritual man who read his Bible every day of his life. He instilled in us to always rely on God and praise him in good times and praise him in difficult times. He was a storyteller, loved joking and never met a stranger. His favorite saying was ‘Dale Ganas’ (meaning- whatever you do- do it the best you can). We fondly remember all our numerous get-togethers, especially our traditional family Christmas party, for the past 28 years, at our family home. In his younger years, he’d dress up as Santa Claus and hand out gifts to all of us and of course we all sat on “Santa’s” lap to receive our gift- no matter your age! He looked forward to his yearly birthday celebrations where we honored our King. He loved to sing his favorite Gospel song- “Alleluia A Nuestro Dios” every chance he got. No one left his home without him praying for God’s blessings on them.

Alfredo left behind a mighty Christian legacy for his family to cherish and draw comfort from. He dedicated his life to God at the young age of 11 years old at his family compound in Sandoval, Mexico. And was an integral part in his family as they started one of first Pentecostal churches, Templo Magdiel, in Matamoros, Mexico. In 1955, Alfredo and his wife Sara were one the original founding members of Primera Asamblea De Dios in Corpus Christi and he was a member for 65 years, the last original member. He loved his place of worship where he was an active and integral part of his church. Throughout the years, he held various leadership positions as a Church Deacon, Sunday School Teacher, Men’s Ministry, Mission Ministry, Asst. Superintendent of Sunday School and the Music Ministry. Alfredo and his wife Sara also held weekly backyard bible study at their family home for many years. And he was a guest speaker at various small churches at nearby towns where he would love to sing and praise God with his gospel songs.

He was a butcher by trade and took great pride in his work- so his family always had the best cuts of meat available! He retired from Moody’s Meat Market and spent the past 35 years with Sara-the love of his life at home. Alfredo was also a great cook and according to him-he taught our Mother how to cook his favorite meal of Carne picado & papas.

We take comfort in Matthew 25:11 “Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thous hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.” He is now rejoicing in Heaven with Sara, his beloved wife and Amor Eterno, sons, Ruben and Sammy, oldest grandchild Ruben Longoria Jr. and his parents. Alfredo leaves behind to cherish his memories his 9 children, Mary Esther Mongold (Lanny), Santos Sanchez (Leonard), Antonia Vasquez (Manuel), Ruth Patterson (Ronald), Alfredo Jr. (Hortencia), David (Amelia), Yolanda Gonzalez, Sara Chapa, Joel (Diane). His mighty legacy of 5 generations and many extended family members and friends whom he adored.

A Heartfelt thanks to his daughters, Mary Esther, Ruth, Sara and his grand-daughter Marissa Ann Gonzalez for Always making time these past few years to lovingly care for him and his wife Sara. Thank you for always showing your love and making their lives comfortable so that they could remain in their home, as was their wish.

The family would like to give special thanks to Pastor Robert Saenz of Primera Asamblea de Dios for his prayers and home visits. Special thanks to his providers, Maria Tovar and Albert Merino who went above and beyond their duties. Also, a special thanks for the care provided by Dr. Ronald Stevens and Delinda Torres RN with WellMed. And, the care provided by the loving nurses-Jennifer Gonzales RN & Nora Sanchez RN with Del Cielo Hospice. They were all a true blessing to our Father, and we will forever be grateful to them.

Public visitation will be held on Friday, February 14, 2020 at 5 p.m. at Primera Asamblea De Dios Church, 402 Cheyenne St. CC, TX with a Celebration of Life service to begin at 7pm.

Family will reconvene at 2pm Saturday February 15th at Primera Asamblea De Dios Church for the funeral service. Then burial to follow at Memory Gardens Cemetery at 3PM.