Joseph Lawrence Gonzales

Joe was born in Bakersfield, California to Maximinio Gonzales and Guadalupe Fernandez. He went home to the Lord on Tuesday, December 12, 2017. He was preceded in death by his wife of 68 years, Mollie Gonzales; his son Joe Gonzales Jr. He is survived by his daughter Charmaine Gonzales and grandson Ramon Garcia.

He was 1 of 11 children, most of whom were born in the family home on Kentucky St. They lived next door to Gino & Tony's Market and their house was the only house on Kentucky St. for many years. Their home was also across the street from the railroad tracks and this was a big part of their lives. His father and brother Max both worked for the railroad for many years. He would tell stories of the circus train stopping in town and how he and his friends would try to sneak a peak under the tents. It wasn't unusual for a railcar full of cattle to stop and offer free milk because the cows needed milking. His mother and neighbors would line up with their containers for this precious commodity. The neighborhood would be especially fragrant on Monday mornings when the Italian families would fire up their brick ovens outside and bake bread.

On January 20, 1942, Joe enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He had tried to enlist previously but was informed he was too short. When World War II began, he said 'they took anybody' and he enlisted right away. He said finding a uniform and shoes for him were a challenge because of his smaller stature. He couldn't have been prouder to wear that uniform, once he received it. He was assigned to the USS John D. Ford, which did convoy duty with the Asiatic and Pacific Fleet. The USS John D. Ford was actually commissioned in World War I and was smaller than the other ships, it also still had hammocks instead of beds. The ship was once mistaken by the crew of a German submarine for a larger ship and when the German sub deployed a torpedo at them, it passed right under the ship. The John D. Ford dropped depth charges and eventually captured 3 German sailors. The story he told of becoming a Shellback after they passed through the equator was always entertaining.

When he was stationed in Long Beach, he met his wife Mollie through mutual friends. They had many adventures together, while he was stationed in New York. He recalled one particular time when Capt. Wainwright returned home and the streets in New York were packed with people as he passed by. They eventually returned to Bakersfield after his honorable discharge in October 29, 1946 with the rating of Gunners Mate 3rd Class. He medals he received were the American Area Campaign; Asiatic Pacific Campaign; Good Conduct; European African Campaign; and World War II Victory Medal. At that time they already had their son Joe Jr. and were eager to begin their life together. Joe worked for the old Vibe's Market where he met many cherished friends, including Leonard Villanueva and Jim Embry. When he 'retired', he went to work as a Crossing Guard and crossed generations of children at Jefferson Elementary School for more than 20 years. In 2001, he won the Senior category of the Beautiful Bakersfield Award for his dedication to the community and by that time had already been featured in the newspaper a few times.

He started running at the age of 56 and continued into his 70's. The many races he ran gave him joy, including the L.A Marathon. He was so happy to have completed the marathon and truly appreciated the support of the spectators. When he began to lose his eyesight, he began getting services from the Center For the Blind and Visually Impaired. There he made new friends and enjoyed their company. His last great adventure was in 2011 when he took the Honor Flight. He couldn't have been happier to join other veterans on that trip. The reception they received at the airport and the World War II Memorial brought tears to his eyes.

The family would like to thank the staff at Bakersfield Family Medical Center's Priority Care Program; Optimal Hospice (our angels); Veronica Gonzales; the nieces and nephews who came to help or visit; and our neighborhood family who we cherish. In lieu of flowers please donate to your local Honor Flight chapter.