Edward (Eddie) Gonzalez

Edward “Eddie” G. Gonzalez passed away peacefully on July 9, 2025, in his home in Waco, Texas. A joyful soul and lifelong jokester, he had an uncanny gift for turning strangers into friends. Even as he endured chronic back pain from a surgical debacle, his warm laughter and unwavering optimism never faltered.

Eddie was born on November 18, 1959, to Edward S. Gonzalez and Minerva G. Gonzalez, in Houston, Texas. He grew up in a home where the sounds of laughter mixed in with the clang of tools in the family body shop. He learned early the value of hard work, creativity, and the bonds that hold a family together. Watching his father at the workbench, Eddie discovered the art of auto body repair and found a lifelong passion beneath every hood.

Eddie enlisted in the U.S Army and spent much of his service stationed in Germany along with his former spouse and two older daughters. While in the Germany, one snowy night, his car skidded off the road and flipped down a steep bank. Two passersby, convinced that he had perished in the accident, began rifling through his pockets—until Eddie shouted, “Hey, I’m alive!” and sent them running. That legendary rescue, retold with a chuckle, exemplifies his resilience and sense of humor in the face of danger.

After his tour of duty, Eddie returned home to perfect his craft as an auto body technician. His attention to detail and steadfast work ethic earned him the respect of colleagues and customers alike. He mentored apprentices with patience and pride, teaching them that every dent removed and every paint job matched carried the legacy of his father’s hands-on tutelage. He eventually became the owner of his own paint and body shop.

As a ten-year-old, Eddie raced go-karts at the school track. A stray football jammed his steering, sending him careening across four lanes of traffic—only for him to wave at stunned onlookers as he miraculously made it to safety. It was often joked about how he was nicknamed "tuff nut" in his football days, tackling everything head on. That was the kind of person he was. His quick wit and charming disposition could dissolve tension, turn a gray day, bright, and forge lifelong friendships wherever he went.

Though life led to different paths and times of distance, he always held a deep love for his four daughters and grandchildren. He cherished and valued every shared moment and connection experienced. Eddie is survived by his four daughters- Melissa Gonzalez, Cindy Gonzalez, Christine Galindo, and Delma Villarreal and son-in-law Joe Villarreal; grandchildren- Christian Magallanes, Haley Magallanes, Joseph Rodriguez, Mila Valtierra, Jazmine Arreola, Lori Galindo, Joseph Galindo, Leia Galindo, Maddyson Villarreal, Jakob Villarreal, Joshua Villarreal, and Jayden Villarreal; sisters- Dr. Elizabeth Palacios and Mari Anne Okafor; brother- Mark Gonzalez; along with his faithful dog- Louie. His love for his nieces, nephews, cousins, and other loving family members and friends will always be remembered.

Eddie's courage in adversity, his love for his family, and his affinity for rescued dogs will always be remembered as a life well lived. Though he battled physical setbacks, his heart remained steadfast in gratitude and love. He leaves behind a legacy of resilience, compassion, and humor that will continue to inspire all who knew him.

A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, July 24, 2025, at Rosemound Cemetery. A "Celebration of Life" will be held in San Antonio at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to a charity of your choice that supports his two favorite passions, veterans and animal shelters.

“Life is too short not to laugh at the unexpected.”—Ed Gonzalez

May Edward “Eddie” Gonzalez’s stories, laughter, and legacy shine on in our hearts forever.