Samuel V Gonzales Jr.

On December 10th, 2024, Samuel V. Gonzales Jr. at the age of 76 left his earthen vessel to pass from this life on to eternity. He is and will be missed by many. The memories carried by those he loved and those who loved him will remain in our hearts and minds until our appointed times arrive as well. His life included services to this country of you and I and all those who cherished their freedoms and safety. Attending Peacock military academy set in motion his pathway towards serving this great country of ours. He chose to join the ranks of an organization of history, which began in 1775, which was composed of the first group of an “elite covert team”, who freed American hostages on the shores of Tripoli. That historical group is known as “the United States Marine Corps” where he promoted to the rank of Sergeant. The disciplines he learned in the Corps, although sometimes displayed as verbally harsh and seemingly rough was never designed with malice in his heart. What he did or did not do at times was just that. It was not at the Core of who he was. One of his primary love languages was “Gifts”. This language of various gifts, was spoken to many he knew. Those on the receiving end included family, friends and even neighbors, to which many can attest to his generosity. This was even displayed by personally patrolling his neighborhood at night as they slept, especially when sleep was difficult to obtain by him. Although he had a deep desire to go into Broadcasting before the Marine Corps, a turn of events led him to make application afterwards with another well-known organization called the “United States Marshal Service”. In the Marshal service, being promoted and achieving rank of “Senior Deputy Marshal” was no easy task and serving in this capacity, presented many challenges yet he received many Commendations. The responsibilities presented to him all during his service which included covering the protection of prisoners, witnesses and Judges across the entire United States including Guam and Puerto Rico, as well as numerous investigations, brought to the surface another particular gift he so desired to give but found less success in doing. That was the gift of “Time” with family. Trying to make up for it in his later years was not easy although worth every step he took to attempt to accomplish it. After retirement he added to his hobbies which included target shooting and scuba diving with a newfound love for motorcycles. This love crossed paths with organizations such as the Blue Knights Texas Chapter 12, of which he became a member in good standing for over 15 years. We discovered he was admired by many groups he was associated with. On December 8, 1975, he was commended for his “outstanding dedication to duty and to the mission of the United States Marshal Service” while on the Island of Guam assisting Vietnamese Repatriates on return to their homeland by the Office of the Director, United States Department of Justice, United States Marshal Service, Washington D.C. . On July 2nd 1984, he received an “outstanding performance of duty” for his service in the protection of NATO Foreign Ministers during their conference. On July 30th 1991, he was commended for “outstanding performance in the successful prosecution of a defendant” by an Assistant Attorney General of the U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division. On November 21, 2002 he was named “Probation Dept. Volunteer of the year” by the El Paso County Juvenile Probation Department.

His search for knowledge included among other things, accepting an invitation to a Men’s retreat with Grace Community Fellowship Church in Brenham TX. with his Nephew Sam Vasquez Jr, where he also accepted an invitation of the free gift of salvation in Jesus the Christ. This invitation was the most important one he has ever accepted, as Eternity is much longer than vapor as stated in James 4:14.

“Missing someone is sadness wrapped in the blessing of having known them” author unknown...

but we will see him again in Glory!

He is predeceased by his son Christopher Gonzales, sister Peggy Cavazos and her husband Manuel and parents, Sam and Hortense Gonzales. He is survived by; his son Christophers family, Debbie Gonzales and her children; Crystal Robbins and husband Brad and her children, Trace, Lola and Bowie; Maegan Gonzales and her children, Adison and Michael; Joshua, his children Leilant Sky and Nathaniel Tru; his son Samuel R. Gonzales lII, his wife Lilly and their two children, Christian and Liam; Sister Lydia Vasquez and husband Sam; sister Diane Rodriguez and her husband Sal as well as several nieces and nephews and several great nieces and nephews.