Martin Tomas Gonzales

Martin Tomas Gonzales, age 90, of Henderson, Nevada, passed away peacefully at home, on Thursday, November 5, 2020. He was born June 4, 1930 in Las Vegas, New Mexico to his parents Martin Gonzales and Albinita Gutierrez. Martin was raised with three siblings: Andrea, Carmen and Dennis. Due to the depression, Martin left home at age 10 to work in a tomato factory in Rocky Ford, Colorado. He worked in various jobs throughout his youth until returning to New Mexico where he enlisted in the U.S. Army, with the approval of his father.

Martin served honorably in the U.S. Army during Korea. Private Gonzales was wounded in action in both legs which forced a medical discharge from active duty. For his heroism, private Gonzales was awarded multiple Purple Heart Medals, Korean Service Medals and the Army Occupation Ribbon.

Martin relocated back to Colorado where he was working at the steel mill. He met the love of his life, Mary Louise Sandoval. the couple were married in 1954 in New Mexico. The young couple then relocated to Nevada where Martin accepted at job at the Timet plant as a lead Machine Operator in Henderson, Nevada. Martin worked for Timet for 44 years, until retiring in 1994.

Martin was a loving husband, father, grandfather who was devoted to his family, and his faith. He enjoyed spending time with his family, watching Boxing on T.V. and supporting the local Vegas Golden Knights Hockey team. He was an active parishioner for over 65 years at St. Peter the Apostle Roman Catholic Church in Henderson, Nevada, and a life-time member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars organization.

Martin was very sociable and could blend in without effort into any social group. Assertive and outgoing; Martin, throughout his life made many friends. While growing up, two of his best friends were Benny Gallegos and Willie Garcia. Later in life, he became friends with Joe Medina, Joe Jaramillo, Steve Lucero, Raymond Trujillo, Willie Null, Joe Alirez, Harold Gonzales.

Martin loved to travel. Favorite vacations included Road Trips to Albuquerque, New Mexico, Las Vegas, New Mexico, Pueblo, Colorado, Disneyland, Branson, Missouri, Wyoming, Panguitch America, and Oregon.

Martin was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. Snowy, a Jackrussell, was a best friend for 6 years. His family was rounded out by his Snoopy, Peaches, Buster, Peanut, and Bubbles.

When Martin's retirement finally came in 1994, he was enthusiastic about what life had to offer. His new life involved taking trips to see family and spending time with grandchildren. After the passing of his wife of 49 years, Mary; Martin met Pat Gurule, his companion for 16 years. Martin continued to stay in touch with his old friends and like always, made plenty of new ones. One of his last and greatest hoorah's was getting 86'd out of a bar in Henderson at the age of 89. Something the family will never forget.

He is survived by children: Sandra (Les), Bernadette (Ed), Christine, Sinda (Sheila), Anita, and Felicia (Victor); nine grandchildren: Stephen (Renee), Sandra (John), Trinidad (Brandon), Eddie, Charmaine, Nicholas, Nathan (Trish), Justin (Leti), Alexa; great-grandchildren: Trey, Anthony, Austin, Marissa, Johnny (Faith), Kaden, Keegan, Brea, Julia, Justin, Nathan, Fabian, Anikka, Brandin, Gabriel, Ella, Vincent, Evangeline, Thaddeus, Veda, Tristan, Benjamin, Aaliyah, and Adelaide; and companion, Pat.

Services were held at Palm Boulder Highway Mortuary. Martin was laid to rest in Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Boulder City, Nevada.

There was always a certain style and inventiveness to Martin. He was a dynamic, self-expressive person who was forever looking to celebrate the endless possibilities life had to offer. He had a knack for being clever, creative and witty, and for others, was a joy to be around. While he was often fiercely independent, it seemed as if many others looked to Martin Gonzales for inspiration, leadership, wisdom and even courage. Martin was always more than willing to share life’s experiences with his loved ones.

A visitation for Martin will be Wednesday, November 25, 2020 from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM. Funeral services begin at 10:00 AM, both at Palm Boulder Highway Mortuary, 800 South Boulder Highway, Henderson, Nevada 89015. Martin will be laid to at the Southern Nevada Veteran's Memorial Cemetery, 1900 Veteran's Memorial Drive, Boulder City, NV 89005.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.palmboulderhighway.com for the Gonzales family.