Michael Anthony "Gonzo" Gonzalez

1963 - 2018

Michael Anthony "Gonzo" Gonzalez

Rural Delphi - Michael Anthony "Gonzo" Gonzalez, 54, of rural Delphi, died Wednesday-Feb. 21, 2018, at 12:20pm, at his home, after a 4 1/2 year battle with cancer. He was born July 28, 1963 in Tampa, FL, to the late Louis Gonzalez, and his mother Darline Del Pino Melendreras, who survives. His marriage was to Beth A. Black in North Redington Beach, FL, on Aug 25, 2004, and she survives. He received his GED from Jefferson High School in Tampa, FL. He was a U.S. Army Ranger, also trained as a medic, stationed in South Korea. He formerly worked for Apria Healthcare in Lafayette, as a sales liaison for 4 years, then for the Indiana Veteran's Home, West Lafayette, in the business office, managing claims and other administrative work, for the past 2 years. He was a member of the Delphi United Methodist Church, very involved with the men's ministry, ultimately leading it, sang in the praise team, and adult choir, and was active with the church's mobile food pantry. He also helped lead a worship service once a month at Carroll Manor Home. He then was called to be pastor at the Wheatland Ave. United Methodist Church, Logansport, the past year and a half. Gonzo's passion was to minister to any and all outside his church. God was his light, and he wanted to share that love with anyone, anywhere, anytime!! He truly loved the good Lord with all his heart and soul. He also enjoyed natural horsemanship training, leading many seminars, both local and abroad. He was a black belt in martial arts, and enjoyed teaching high risk youth his skills and discipline. He was a gourmet cook; loved to sing and play his guitar; an avid reader, who spoke four languages. He enjoyed acting, and starred in many training films, and had been an extra in a few TV shows. He recently completed his EMT training as sick as he was, but did, and helped others with training and testing. He also enjoyed 18th Century Historical Reenactments. He dearly loved his wife Beth, and all his family and many friends.

Surviving: wife-Beth A. Gonzalez of Delphi; mother & step father-Darline & Val Melendreras of Tampa, FL; children: Michael, Sarah, & Abby; step son-Eric; grandchildren: Christian, Cameron, Casen, Sophia, & Janessa; sisters-Melanie & Griselda; brother-Charlie; beloved nieces & nephews. Services: family & friends will be received Sunday from 3:30pm until his celebration of life service at 5:30pm, at the Delphi United Methodist Church, 1796 N. US 421, Delphi, IN 46923, Rev. Todd Ladd & Rev. Sheri Rohrer officiating. Beth encourages contributions to the Delphi United Methodist Church Mobile Food Pantry, which Gonzo was passionate about making sure people had what they needed. Abbott Funeral Home, Inc., Delphi, in charge of arrangements. http://www.abbottfuneralhome.com/