Manuel Gonzales

Manuel Lujan Gonzales was born October 11, 1947, in Schertz Texas, he was called home to be with our Lord on July 9, 2024, at the age of 76. He was a beloved husband, son, brother, uncle, grandfather, and friend to all.

He moved from Schertz to Dallas, Texas for most of his childhood. He moved back to Schertz in 1962 and attended Schertz Cibolo High School (Samuel Clemens), the same year he met his beautiful wife. Manuel was very active in high school playing baseball and loved working on cars, he graduated high school in 1966. He was drafted into the United States Army in 1967, before leaving for Vietnam he married Maria "Mary" L. Frias in November 1967.

During his tour of service, he was assigned to the Infantry (First Cavalry Division) which had the specialized duty to perform underground search and destroy missions from the enemy. As a Sergeant, he led his platoon into tunnels which were known as the “Tunnel Rats” where he obtained the nickname “Rat.”

Manuel returned from Vietnam and was stationed in El Paso, Texas from 1968-1970. He resided in his permanent residence from late 1970 through 2024 in Live Oak Texas. Manuel began his career with the United States Postal Service in late 1970 and retired in 2004. He was very involved with the NALC (National Association of Letter Carriers) and traveled to several locations because of his passion for business which he served as a shop steward and represented numerous postal employees.

He had numerous hobbies which included golf, traveling, cooking BBQ, and restoring old cars but most of all his favorite hobby was meeting his best friends at the racetrack (Retama Park). He touched the hearts of many and will be truly missed by his friends and family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Petra and Reyes Gonzales Jr., and sister, Stella Rangel. Manuel is loved and will be forever missed by his devoted wife, Maria "Mary" of 57 years, and his three loving children: daughter, Gina Holt (Kevin Holt); son, Manuel Gonzales Jr (Kim); son, Jerry Gonzales; and several in-laws. He will be greatly missed by his grandchildren whom he loved, Kevin Justin Holt (Lupita), Ashley Holt, Brandon Holt (Rabecca), Aiden Gonzales, and Manuel Gonzales III. He had many nieces and nephews whom he loved and cherished. He is also survived by his sisters, Elida Orozco (Richard), Juana Guerrero (Tony), and Tina Reynosa (Victor).

A Visitation and Rosary will be held on July 30, 2024, starting at 5:00pm at Colonial Funeral Home: 625 Kitty Hawk Road, Universal City, Texas. A Visitation and Funeral Procession will begin at 9am on July 31, 2024 at Colonial Funeral Home: 625 Kitty Hawk Road, Universal City, Texas 78148. The Procession to St. Monica’s Catholic Church, 501 North Street, Converse, Texas 78109, will begin promptly at 10:15am. A Funeral Mass will be held in Manuel’s honor starting at 11:15am at St. Monica’s Catholic Church, 501 North Street, Converse, Texas 78109. Following the funeral mass, a Committal Service will take place from 1:00pm at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery: 1520 Harry Wurzbach Road, San Antonio, Texas. There will be a reception to follow the Committal Service where everyone is welcome to join in remembering the life of Manuel Gonzales.