Jesus Pablo Gonzalez

McAllen - Jesus Pablo Gonzalez, a wonderful husband and father who loved cowboy movies and oversized mugs, passed away Saturday, December 24, 2016 at Doctors Hospital at Renaissance in Edinburg. He was 66.

Born in McAllen, he lived and worked in the area his entire life but loved to travel. At one point, his favorite spot was Las Vegas, but he didn't like when it became too touristy.

He spent most of his life working in the legal field, but his first job was at a hotel where he first developed a love for cooking. His speciality was Thanksgiving turkey and ridiculously delicious gravy.

An Air Force veteran, he met his beloved wife, Candelaria, while they were both working for the city in the 70s. They were married nearly 38 years, had four children, and made marriage look fun.

He had a dark, biting sense of humor that his family loved. Most of his best jokes are not fit for print. So you know they were good.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Petra Gonzalez, and father, Pablo Gonzalez.

Survivors include his wife, Candelaria; daughters, Lisa, Lucinda Stokes, Sandra and Susan; grandson Jackson Stokes, "the apple of his eye"; son-in-law Drew Stokes; siblings, Maria Irma Johnson, Blanca Kirkman, Irene Vasquez, Anna Gaytan, Juan Gonzalez, and Rose Smith; and nephew/son Jeffrey Trantham. He also had many "adopted" children and grandchildren, whom he loved dearly.

A memorial will be held Wednesday, December 28, 2016, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Funeraria Del Angel in Mission.