Michael “Mike” Gonzales, 59, was born and raised in Beaumont. He was a graduate of Forest Park High School, Class of 1972, where he was heavily involved with Future Farmers of America. At the age of eighteen, Mike began a thirty-year long career with the Mobil Oil Beaumont refinery. He enjoyed, among other things, driving fast cars, riding bulls and broncos, observing nature, collecting rocks, and wood working. Most importantly, Mike enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his sons Matthew and Patrick. He was an excellent father, loving grandfather, wonderful friend, fun-loving brother and a devoted son. Mike was a man who knew how to love, laugh, be a pillar of strength for others, be selfless and speak the truth with love and compassion. In January of 2013, Mike was diagnosed with Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS). Despite the severity of his circumstances, he faced his cancer with the utmost amount of courage and bravery. Mike carried a positive attitude at all times and never showed fear. He fought the good fight. On March 2, 2014, in the presence of his loving family, Mike’s Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, delivered him from his struggles. He will always be deeply loved and profoundly missed. There are no words that exist which can adequately describe the depth of Mike’s meaning to all who have come to know and love him. The legacy of Mike’s life will be championed by the hearts and minds of those who were blessed to call him friend, brother, son, grandfather or father. May you rest in peace, our beloved Mike.
Survivors include his sons, Matthew Vernon Gonzales and his wife, Stephanie, of Port Neches and Patrick Michael Gonzales and his wife, Morgin, of Nederland; granddaughter, Hattie Grace Gonzales; sisters, Linda Loving and her husband, James, of Chester and Barbara Spoonemoore and her husband, Barry, of Beaumont; and brothers, Chester Gonzales and his wife, Elizabeth, of Lumberton and Wayne Gonzales and his wife, Evelyn, of Beaumont.
Mike is preceded in death by his parents.
A gathering of Mr. Gonzales’ family and friends will be from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, March 5, 2014, at Broussard’s, 505 North 12th Street, Nederland. His funeral service will be 1:00 p.m., Thursday, March 6, 2014, at Triumph Church, 1407 Highway 69, Nederland, with interment to follow at Oak Bluff Memorial Park, Port Neches.
Memorial contributions may be made to Be The Match (National Marrow Donor Program), 3001 Broadway Street-Northeast, Suite 100, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55413-1753.
