Oscar Lopez Gonzales

Oscar was born in San Antonio, TX on August 15, 1929. As a child, his family moved to Beaumont, TX. At age 13 he accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior. Oscar graduated from Beaumont High School in 1949 and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from University of Corpus Christi in 1959. He married his childhood sweetheart, Teresa Martinez Gonzales on February 1, 1958.

Oscar served two years active duty as an artillery tank driver in the Korean War for the United States Army’s Medium Tank Company, 223rd Infantry Regiment, 40th Infantry Division (1950-1952). Upon his return from the war, Oscar dedicated his life to serving the Lord. He served 44 years in the Baptist Ministry and was an active member of the Hispanic Baptist Convention of Texas and the Baptist General Convention of Texas. He also served in various executive roles for the Baptist Association of Texas. At a time of segregation, Oscar was an instrumental pioneer in introducing God’s gospel to the growing Hispanic population in South Texas. He served as the Spanish speaking Pastor in multiple churches and cities including Beaumont, Uvalde, Edinburg, Wharton (13.5 years), and the Greater Houston area.

Oscar had a passion for spreading the word of God to as many people as he could. He did this by teaching, speaking the truth of God’s Word, and exhibiting the kindness and unconditional love of Jesus. He served others in their time of need and mentored many church leaders and ministers on growing their church communities and spreading the Gospel.

The legacy Oscar built will continue to guide his family for generations to come. Oscar loved the Lord, and he loved his family. He enjoyed celebrating birthdays, holidays, and sports watch parties rooting for his favorite Houston teams with his wife and their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He enjoyed playing catch in the yard, swinging the golf club, gardening, eating (!), and cooking. Family reunions, travel, and time with siblings and extended family were treasured moments for him.

Oscar is preceded in death by his parents, Donato and Maria Gonzales, brothers Angel (Senaida), Larry (Olivia), Raymond and his sister, Emma Reyes (Louis). Oscar is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Teresa Martinez Gonzales; three children; Timothy Gonzales and wife Bambi, Karen Rusk and husband Raymond, and Kevin Gonzales; grandchildren; Jared Selby (April), Natalie Gonzales, Robert Gonzales (Chelsey), Zechary Gonzales (Ally), Lauren Salinas (Jason), Katherine Rusk, Andrew Gonzales, Brianna Gonzales; great-grandchildren; Taylor, Jordyn, Jaxson, Tatum, Callie, Knox, Kayson, Aaron, Addison, Dean, Christian, Remy, and Zoey; dedicated niece; Diane Valdez, and his siblings; Frank Gonzales, Donnie Gonzales, Rosemary Gonzales, and Johnny Gonzales. Oscar also leaves behind a large extended family of numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews that he enjoyed spending time with.

A visitation for Oscar will be held Tuesday, April 18, 2023 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, directly followed by a funeral service from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM at American Heritage Funeral Home, 10710 Veterans Memorial Drive, Houston, TX 77038. An “Honoring Those Who Served” service will directly follow from 1:15 PM to 1:45 PM at Houston National Cemetery, 10410 Veterans Memorial Drive, Houston, TX 77038.

In Lieu of flowers, the family requests gifts be made to:

Mission Dignity

PO Box 819109

Dallas, TX 75381-9109

Website: www.missiondignity.org