Fernando V. Gonzalez

Fernando Gonzalez, “Mr. G” to his former students and fellow sports fans, died on Wednesday, January 7, 2004 at the age of 80. His life began on May 30, 1923, when he was born to Simon and Lucita Gonzalez in Mexico City. He came to the United States as a child and lived in San Antonio before moving to Austin. During World War II, he served his country in the Army Air Corps. He received his Bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Texas and his Master’s degree in education from Prairie View A&M. Mr. G’s career as a math and science teacher started at Harris Junior High School in San Antonio. He spent 33 years in the Austin Independent School District and worked at Austin, Johnston, McCallum and Travis High Schools, Allen Elementary School and Pierce Middle School. At Johnston, he founded a service club to promote volunteerism among students. He later served for 10 years at the Gary Job Corps Center in San Marcos, where he was an assistant director, coordinator of special projects and math teacher. He worked as a ticker taker at UT and high school football games for almost five decades, and followed UT sports with a passion. For the last 20 years, he made annual trips to the College World Series. Fernando was preceded in death by his wife, Selsa, after 42 years of marriage. He is survived by his son Jesse and daughter Magdaline, both of Austin; his daughter Sandra and son-in-law David Wilson, of Woodbridge, N.J.; his daughter Tina and son-in-law Ric Colunga, of El Centro, Calif.; his daughter Kathy and son-in-law Jarp Gressett, of Dallas; his sisters Elvira Porter and Trini Sanchez, both of San Antonio, and several nieces and nephews. Janie Ornelas, a family friend, also survives him. Services will be held at 11 a.m. today at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, 1206 E. 9th St., Austin. Burial will follow in Mount Calvary Cemetery. Contributions on his behalf will go toward the creation of a memorial scholarship fund. They may be sent to Bank of America, c/o Judy Brown, 2651 South IH-35, Round Rock, TX 78664. Arrangements by Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home, 3125 N. Lamar Blvd., Austin, Texas 78705 (512) 452-8811. You may view memorials online at www.wcfish.com