Hiram Gonzales

Hiram S. Gonzales, 88, of Midland, went to be with our heavenly Father, on Friday, September 2, 2011, at his home surrounded by family. He was born in Roswell, New Mexico on January 11, 1921 to E.P. and Andrea (Saenz) Gonzales. He grew up and attended school in Snyder, Texas. On December 29, 1945 he enlisted with Company F 301st Infantry Army. This division landed across Utah Beach, France and relieved the 6th Armored Division at Lorient and St. Nazaire, where German garrisons were besieged. After relieving the 6th Armored Division, the 301st set up positions along the front lines near the towns of Quimplerle, Redene, Pont Scorff, Hennebont, and Nostang. He returned from the U.S. Army and married the love of his life, Dora Castillo. They moved to Midland where he worked as a chef with the Petroleum Club and Scharbauer Hotel. He was ordained to the office of ministry in 1979 and together with his wife were missionaries to Mexico. He loved preaching the Word, administering the sacraments and bringing counsel and compassion to the community of God's people. "Do your best to present to God as one approved, a workman who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the Word of Truth." II Timothy 2:15. The highlight of his life was to officiate over his children's, and grandchildren's wedding ceremonies. Hiram served as an elder with Dayspring Church and an officer with the Full Gospel Men's Fellowship. He is preceded in death by his father and mother, E.P. and Andrea Gonzales; five brothers, Ray Gonzales; David Gonzales; George Gonzales; Daniel Gonzales and Adam Gonzales; two daughters, Rachel Hicks and Emma Sue Avila; one grandson, Michael Avila. Hiram is survived by his wife, Dora, of 65 years; son, Robert and wife Blanca; daughters, Bertha Melendez and husband Abel; Odela Gonzales of El Paso, TX; Anna Gomez and husband Jesse of Temple, TX; Christine Valdez and husband Louis of Midland, TX; seventeen grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. Pallbearers are Randy Valdez, Robert Gonzales, Scottie Gonzales, Frank Gomez, Mark Gomez and Tim Gomez. Honorary Pallbearers are Angelo Gomez and Mitchell Carlisle. Visitation will be held at Ellis Funeral Home on Monday, September 5, 2011 from 6:00 ~ 8:00 pm. Funeral service will be held at 11:00 am at Stonegate Fellowship on Tuesday, September 6, 2011. Interment will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park. The family would like to express a special thanks to the staff and nurses at Senior Care, West Campus, Midland Memorial, Home Hospice, Venetta Jackson, Gloria Fierro and Sylvia Rodriquez for their compassionate care. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Home Hospice in the name of Hiram S. Gonzales.