Bernardino Gamboa

With hearts full of love and gratitude, the family of Bernardino Morin Gamboa
announces his passing on August 26, 2025, in Midland, Texas, at the age of
89. He was born on May 14, 1936, in San Vicente, Coahuila, Mexico, to Juan
and Gabriela Gamboa. Over the years, he was lovingly known by many
nicknames, “Nino, Bernie, Apa, Dad, Daddy, Tata, and Buelo,” each one a
reflection of the special place he held in the hearts of his family and friends.
Nino’s life was marked by courage, perseverance, and devotion. At the age
of 8, he overcame Malta fever (brucellosis) and the challenge of learning to
walk again, a trial that instilled in him a strength that would carry him
through his lifetime. As a teenager, he traveled as a migrant worker,
determined to create a brighter future for his family.
On January 28, 1955, he married the love of his life, Herculana Marquez, and
together they built a family grounded in love and guided by faith. They were
blessed with 11 children, and through every season of life, Nino remained a
steady presence; hardworking, patient, and deeply committed to those he
loved.
In 1968, Nino moved with his wife and five children to Midland, Texas, where
he worked tirelessly to provide for his growing family. He served his
community with dedication through his work with the City of Midland
Sanitation Department, Midland County Road Maintenance, and later with
the Texas Department of Transportation, retiring in 1998 after 23 years of
service. Even in retirement, he continued to work hard, overseeing
operations for S&S Remodeling until his health no longer allowed him to do
so.
Nino’s greatest calling was not just in his career, but in his service to God
and his family. Alongside his wife and brother, Cruz, he helped found Iglesia
Bautista Betel, where he faithfully served as a Deacon, Sunday School
teacher, and bus driver for the children’s ministry. He cherished being a
servant of the Lord, and his deepest pride was his family, whom he loved
beyond measure.
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In his younger years, Nino was a true cowboy at heart; he loved riding horses
and was known for his talent as a bronc rider. He also had a gift for
craftsmanship, creating handmade leather Bible covers that showed both his
creativity and devotion to his faith. He found joy in being outdoors, whether
working in his yard or creating a beautiful homestead where his family could
gather. Some of his greatest pleasures were the simple yet meaningful
moments: loving on his great-grandchildren, sharing Sunday lunches with his
entire family, and proudly teaching his grandsons the tradition of harvesting,
preparing, and cooking a chivo for everyone to enjoy. These moments of
laughter, love, and togetherness were where his heart found the greatest
happiness.
He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Herculana; parents, Juan and
Gabriela Gamboa; son, Noe Gamboa; daughter, Leah Bejil; grandson, Caleb
Elijah Gamboa; granddaughter, Jennifer Diaz; great-granddaughter, Lillian
Abigayle Gutierrez; brothers, Anastacio Gamboa, Francisco Gamboa, and
Cruz Gamboa; and sisters, Maria de Jesus Bernal, Benigna Ortega, and Julia
Bernal.
He is survived by his siblings, Ventura Gamboa, Angel Gamboa, Telesforo
Gamboa, and Oralia Gamboa-Onate; his children, Raquel Diaz, Efren
Gamboa, Lisa Gamboa Zaragoza, Ruth Onate, Noemi Reyes, Ester Marquez,
Anna Gamboa, Judith Silva, Amber Gamboa, and adopted daughter Yulma
Torres; along with 30 grandchildren, 57 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-
great-grandchild. His family was his proudest accomplishment and his
greatest joy.
Family and friends are invited to gather for a viewing on Thursday, August
28, 2025, from 2:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Heavenly Gate Funeral Home, 405
N. Terrell St., Midland, TX. Funeral services will be held the next day, Friday,
August 29, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at the same location, followed by burial at
Fairview Cemetery. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Nino’s life.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to Dr. Dario Beltran, Dr. Anand Cholia,
and Edward “Maurice” Lopez DNP, FNP-BC, and the staff of Martin County
Hospital for their compassionate care.

Nino’s life was a testament to resilience, humility, and unshakable faith. He leaves behind a legacy of love, service, and steadfast devotion that will continue to inspire generations. His family takes comfort in knowing he now rests in the presence of his Savior.

"Well done, good and faithful servant… enter into the joy of your Lord." – Matthew 25:23

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