Sgt. Marty Joseph Gonzalez

Martin Joseph Gonzalez, beloved husband, father, brother, son, friend and Marine, passed away on November 28, 2020. Marty, as he was known to all, was born on February 11, 1980 in Houston, TX. He was the middle son of Betty and Tom Gonzalez.

Marty was a decorated Marine who loved serving our country. At the age of 18 he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He would later be deployed to Fallujah, Iraq where he would bravely fight the enemy over a 3 month stretch. On Nov 10, 2004, an insurgent grenade exploded, burning Sgt. Gonzalez's hand as he helped another Marine retreat. On De 12, 2004, another grenade exploded while on a mission to rescue a wounded squad member. Gonzalez was struck in the head and the impact of the explosion resulted in a broken back. Dozens were wounded and five were killed on that day. Less than 24 hours later, Sgt. Gonzalez took a bullet through his elbow while clearing a house. The injuries sustained would prevent him from remaining in the fight and he was sent home where he would undergo over a dozen surgeries to repair his arm and back.

For his bravery, Sgt. Gonzalez was awarded three purple hearts, two bronze stars with Valor, and two Navy Marine Corps Achievement Medals with Valor. Sgt. Gonzalez was an American hero who bravely and valiantly served our great nation with honor.

Marty continued fighting for his brothers off the battlefield. He was an advocate for all service members, and shared his personal experiences with others in order to help provide hope and healing. In spite of his chronic pain, Marty still served others.

Marty loved being a Marine, but his true pride, joy and peace came from being a husband and father. He lived a happy life and loved spending time with his beautiful family. Family was everything to Marty!

Marty is survived by his wife Tawnee, daughter Alyssa, son Adryan, daughters Kaylen and Emry, parents Betty and Tom Gonzalez, brothers Steven and Tommy, nieces Jocelyn and Adele, nephew Brendan, along with his beloved aunts, uncles and cousins.

Rest easy Gonzo, Babe, Daddy. You loved us enough to last a lifetime...