H. Daniel Gonzalez

Our beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend, H. Daniel "Danny" Gonzalez (with a "Z"), 70, of Las Cruces was the rock that kept his children grounded and the love of his "Vieja Tonta" left his dwelling place on earth and entered eternal life to be with his heavenly Father on Tuesday, March 12, 2013 at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born April 13, 1942 in Mesilla to Carlos F. and Narcisa Gonzalez. "Danny," as he was fondly known to his family and friends, retired from Joe G. Maloof (Coors) as a truck driver after 34 years of service. He was the original Coors, proudly delivering his favorite product. Danny's proud and joy was his 1970 Chevy "El Camino SS 396," which he called his "sweetheart." He was a faithful member of the Loyal Order of the Moose for 29 years and worked there part-time as a "Janitorial Engineer!" Danny also enjoyed his pass time at Palacios "Pablitos" and the VFW Post #3242. He was fond of his Pomeranian "Smokey" and his cat "Sweetheart" and was especially fond of his closet friends and enjoyed being with them every week. He was an original member of the "Eliminators" of Mesilla and was proud to be a "Mesillero." Danny was proud of being a "Class of '62 Bulldog." Those left to mourn his passing include his loving wife of 37 years, Lucy S. Gonzalez of the family home; his children, Raquel S. Funes and husband Efrain and their son, Jose F. Ledesma; Ernesto S. Flores Jr. and his children, Valerie, Blanca, Adrianna, Lluvia and Neto Flores, and Carlos Castillo; Veronica Salas and companion Oscar G. Padilla, all Las Cruces; a brother, Carlos Gonzales and wife Carmen, also of Las Cruces; a sister, Natalia G. Lopez and husband Eduardo of Mesilla. Other survivors include 10 great-grandchildren, Sergio "Izzy", Joshua Daniel, Stormy Raquel, Ismael Jose, Isenia Marie and Ilyah Rae Ledesma, Unique Angel, Benjamin Gabriel Dueñez, Aliyah Lucy Kannady and Isaiah Esparza as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Luis, Gregorio, Cipriano, Guillermo, and Marcelino Gonzales; and a grandson, Lorenzo F. Ledesma. Visitation for Danny will begin at 9:30 a.m. Friday, March 15, 2013 in Baca's Chapel of Prayer, 300 E. Boutz Road where the prayer vigil is scheduled for 10 a.m. The funeral service will follow immediately thereafter with Rev. Narciso Rivera officiating. The rite of committal and interment will follow in the San Albino Cemetery where he will be laid to rest. Serving as casket bearers will be Paul Herrera, Gilbert and Armando Limon, Joe Avalos, Nick Zuniga, Jose, Joshua Daniel and Sergio Ledesma. Honorary bearers will be Ralph and Davie Salas, Robert Florez, Frank Ramirez, Bill Baker, Javier Torres, Leo Valles, Andy Gonzalez, Raymond Amezola, Richard Gloria and Tillie Arenibas. He will be greatly missed by his wife, children and closest friends and family. Entrusted to Baca's Funeral Chapels of Las Cruces. 527-2222. Your exclusive providers for "Veterans and Family Memorial Care." For online condolences, log on to www.bacasfuneralchapelslascruces.com.