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Roll Call Tribute
Abel Gonzalez Jr. '72 September 15, 2011 8:44 AM
Published in The (McAllen) Monitor on September 15, 2011
ABEL NOE GONZALEZ Jr.
"I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes Him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life." John 5:24
Abel Noe Gonzalez, Jr., 61, of Rio Grande City, Texas went to be with the Lord on September 14, 2011. He was born on July 2, 1950, the son of Abel N. Gonzalez (+) and Maria Elia Gonzalez. He was the oldest of 5 siblings. On June 16, 1973 he married his high school sweetheart, Aida Graciela Pena and together they had four children.
He graduated from Rio Grande City High School in 1968 and received a Bachelor's Degree in Animal Science from Texas A&M University-College Station in 1972. He was a member of the Hidalgo/Starr A&M Club. Upon graduating from the university he returned to his beloved Rio Grande City where he owned and managed Mobil Oil Company and later Shamrock, and also managed the family ranch. He was a very active member of the community; he served as RGCCISD school Board Member for 12 years and served as Board President several terms. He was currently serving his 18th year as Starr County Commissioner for Pct.4.
One of his greatest passions was supporting the athletic teams in the community. Throughout his life one would be sure to find him at a Friday night football game supporting his sons first as players and later as football coaches in Rio Grande City and currently Grulla High School. On weekends, he loved the family gatherings at his home or at his ranch enjoying a barbeque, surrounded by his children and grandkids and discussing his favorite subjects, football and family.
Abel is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Graciela P. Gonzalez; mother Maria Elia Gonzalez; daughter and son-in-law Melinda and Jorge Barrera; son and daughter in law Abel III and Nicole Gonzalez; son Jorge Gonzalez; grandchildren Alexia Andrade, Marina De Leon, Josue Barrera and Abel N. Gonzalez IV; sister Ana Maria Gonzalez; brother Humberto Gonzalez (Cynthia); brother Enrique Gonzalez (Gina); sister Maria Elia Salinas (Amaro); and numerous nieces and nephews. Abel was preceded in death by his father Abel Gonzalez Sr. and beloved daughter Marta Gonzalez.
The viewing will take place at Sanchez Funeral Home in Rio Grande City, Texas on Thursday, September 15, 2011, from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm. The Rosary will begin at 7:00 pm. Funeral services will be held at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Rio Grande City on Friday, September 16, 2011 at 11:00 am.
The family requests that donations be made to the Starr County Cancer Society c/o Relay For Life in memory of his daughter Marty. Donations will be accepted at 5413 S. McColl Edinburg, Texas 78539.
Sanchez Funeral Home of Rio Grande City is in charge of funeral arrangements.
Sign the guest book at www.themonitor.com/obituaries
ABEL NOE GONZALEZ Jr.
"I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes Him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life." John 5:24
Abel Noe Gonzalez, Jr., 61, of Rio Grande City, Texas went to be with the Lord on September 14, 2011. He was born on July 2, 1950, the son of Abel N. Gonzalez (+) and Maria Elia Gonzalez. He was the oldest of 5 siblings. On June 16, 1973 he married his high school sweetheart, Aida Graciela Pena and together they had four children.
He graduated from Rio Grande City High School in 1968 and received a Bachelor's Degree in Animal Science from Texas A&M University-College Station in 1972. He was a member of the Hidalgo/Starr A&M Club. Upon graduating from the university he returned to his beloved Rio Grande City where he owned and managed Mobil Oil Company and later Shamrock, and also managed the family ranch. He was a very active member of the community; he served as RGCCISD school Board Member for 12 years and served as Board President several terms. He was currently serving his 18th year as Starr County Commissioner for Pct.4.
One of his greatest passions was supporting the athletic teams in the community. Throughout his life one would be sure to find him at a Friday night football game supporting his sons first as players and later as football coaches in Rio Grande City and currently Grulla High School. On weekends, he loved the family gatherings at his home or at his ranch enjoying a barbeque, surrounded by his children and grandkids and discussing his favorite subjects, football and family.
Abel is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Graciela P. Gonzalez; mother Maria Elia Gonzalez; daughter and son-in-law Melinda and Jorge Barrera; son and daughter in law Abel III and Nicole Gonzalez; son Jorge Gonzalez; grandchildren Alexia Andrade, Marina De Leon, Josue Barrera and Abel N. Gonzalez IV; sister Ana Maria Gonzalez; brother Humberto Gonzalez (Cynthia); brother Enrique Gonzalez (Gina); sister Maria Elia Salinas (Amaro); and numerous nieces and nephews. Abel was preceded in death by his father Abel Gonzalez Sr. and beloved daughter Marta Gonzalez.
The viewing will take place at Sanchez Funeral Home in Rio Grande City, Texas on Thursday, September 15, 2011, from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm. The Rosary will begin at 7:00 pm. Funeral services will be held at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Rio Grande City on Friday, September 16, 2011 at 11:00 am.
The family requests that donations be made to the Starr County Cancer Society c/o Relay For Life in memory of his daughter Marty. Donations will be accepted at 5413 S. McColl Edinburg, Texas 78539.
Sanchez Funeral Home of Rio Grande City is in charge of funeral arrangements.
Sign the guest book at www.themonitor.com/obituaries
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