Raul R. Gonzalez

Raul R Gonzalez, 80, from Lubbock, Texas, also known as "Pompín" passed away on April 12, 2016 surrounded by his family. He was born in Sebastian, Texas on September 15, 1935 to Manuel Gonzalez and Maria Rodriguez. He was raised in Harlingen, Texas. He married Hortencia Minjarez (Gonzalez), the love of his life on July 19, 1958 in Lubbock, Texas and remained married for 57 years. Raul Gonzalez worked at Eagle Picher for almost 20 years and in the hospitality field up to his retirement.

He was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council #10181, an usher at St. Joseph's Church, Eucharistic Minister, lifetime member of Sagrado Corazon, and donated throughout his life to Maryknoll Fathers, a charity organization. He was the epitome of unconditional love, perseverance, and an unyielding work ethic. As a result of this unyielding work ethic, his children were able to realize not just their dreams but also fulfill the dream that he and his wife had for their children. A dream that meant that they would achieve a better quality of life, a life that they could only imagine. All of his six children received a college degree and three of them have obtained a Master's degree.

In addition to this dream and his marriage of 57 years, his greatest accomplishments, he also ensured that his family was always healthy and happy! He has left an indelible mark in the hearts of everyone who knew him. His legacy of compassion, understanding, and of pure love will forever change how we all view the world. Seeing the world through "Papi's" eyes meant seeing only the best in everyone, the most positive of outcomes, and the path of least resistance. He loved being with his family, dancing, and laughing. The legacy he leaves behind is priceless and we are better human beings for a being part of his life.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Manuel Gonzalez and Maria Rodriguez; brother Guadalupe Gonzalez; sister Olga Gonzalez; uncles, Tomas Rodriguez and Jose Montez; and twin grandsons Gaston and Gage. He is survived by his wife, Hortencia Gonzalez from Lubbock; his children, Juanita Gonzalez from Lubbock, Sylvia Gonzalez Villanueva (Tony) from San Antonio, Jesse Gonzalez (Marcy) from Lubbock, Gloria Gonzalez Lowe from San Antonio, Tommy Gonzalez (Sandy) from El Paso, and Penny Gonzalez Scheiler (Sean) from San Antonio; his grandchildren, Divina and Tori Villanueva, Niki, Lexi, and Sienna Gonzalez, Ashley Lowe Grosso (Gehrig), Arielle and Scotty Lowe, Sagen and Sager Gonzalez, and great-granddaughters Melonie Grosso and Emerson Villanueva.

To leave an online condolence to the family, please visit our website at www.resthavenfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Resthaven Funeral Home and Memorial Park.