Luis Humberto Gongora

Luis Humberto Gongora passed away Monday, January 9, 2017 at the age of 61 in Houston, Texas. He was born July 9, 1955 in Mexico to parents Pablo and Felipa Gongora. Luis is survived by his wife of 35 years, Maria Gongora, daughter Melina Gongora, sons Luis Vicente and Leonel Alejandro Gongora,

sister Francisca Gongora, and brother Juan Gongora.

At the age of 19 Luis met Maria while at a dance hall. Wanting to impress her, Luis offered Maria and her friends a ride home at the end of the night with a car he did not have. After learning of the 10 residential blocks he had to run to borrow his father's vehicle in order to make good on his offer, an everlasting impression and bond was created between them. After five years, they were married on May 25, 1981. They lived and worked in Houston, and had three children, Luis Vicente, Melina, and Leonel Alejandro. Luis and Maria were married for 35 years.

During his early career, Luis worked for Houston Lighting and Power as a Mobile Industrial Maintenance Mechanic. Although the company went through many buy outs and name changes, he remained an invaluable asset to the company. His career occasionally required him to travel for training seminars, out of state projects, and short notice disaster relief emergencies. After 22 years of unwavering, loyal, and professional work ethic, he was granted a permanent position at the T.H. Wharton Power Plant.

Luis loved music. More than simply listening to it, he actively performed in numerous concerts and venues playing either the trombone, trumpet, guitar, or bass. His musical instrument of choice was the trombone. From an early age dating back to high school, Luis performed in the marching band. As a young man he was predominantly the trombone member of different local bands performing live music at weddings, quinceaneras, clubs, holiday celebrations, church functions, and musical competitions. He always relished seeing his family and friends amongst the crowd enjoying the music he was playing alongside his band mates. He especially enjoyed passing on his knowledge and experience to his children of which all performed in mariachi bands since middle school. Luis always got a kick out of attending and witnessing their performances.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 12, 2017 from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm at Advantage Funeral Home, 7010 Chetwood Dr. Houston, Texas 77081. A funeral mass will be held on Friday, January 13, 2017 at 10:00 am at St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church,5430 W. Ridge Creek Dr. Houston, Texas 77053. Interment will follow at Forest Park Westheimer Cemetery.