Jose L. "Joe" Gonzales

Jose (Joe) L. Gonzales, 91, of Wichita Falls, passed away on Wednesday, August 20, 2025. He served the Lord with his whole heart and did so quietly and unobtrusively, never sounding a trumpet before him or expecting anything in return. He gave his love and strength with generosity.

A son of the late Aurora (Pena) and Refugio Gonzales, Jose was born of Feb 16, 1934, in Brownsville, Texas. Joe attended schools in Brownsville, Texas, until he joined the United States Navy in 1952. He served in the Navy for only four years, but it left a lasting impression on him. He met a friend, Jim Traitz whom he never forgot and with whom he would later reconnect. After the Navy, he enlisted in the Air Force. His first overseas assignment was to Japan. He fell in love with the people, the culture, and the beautiful island. From 1959 to 1966, he was assigned to Sheppard AFB and served in the Strategic Air Command. He met and married Wanda in 1963 at Trinity Presbyterian Church. From this union a son was born, John Mark, in 1965 at the Sheppard AFB hospital which was very new at the time. Joe and his family moved to Ramey AFB Puerto Rico in 1966 which was like a four year vacation. While they were there, the family increased in size with the birth of their daughter, Jo Ann. She was a birthday gift, born on Wanda's birthday. In 1970, the transfer for the family was to Barksdale AFB, LA. They were there for only one year, when Joe was politely asked to go to Thailand. Wanda and the children returned to Wichita Falls to live near family while he was gone for a year. He returned to Sheppard for six months before he retired in 1973.

Joe's reason for leaving the Navy and joining the Air Force was to further his education. He began that endeavor at the University of Maryland in Japan, continued at Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls, Texas. He completed his bachelor's and master's degrees at Inter American University of Puerto Rico, receiving both diplomas at the same ceremony.

His next career was as a college professor with Vernon College. He primarily taught Economics. He dearly loved his teaching career, meeting many students, and working with other staff members. He made many lasting friendships. His success may have been because he came from a family of teachers. He retired thirty years later, in 2003.

Joe loved automobiles. He raced sports cars while in Japan and at Sheppard AFB, but decided he should live a safer life after getting married. He still enjoyed watching Grand Prix and F1 races on television. He was also a Dallas Cowboys fan. He would not take Wanda out to eat on Sundays if the game start time was 1:00 p.m. He was a camera enthusiast also and especially enjoyed taking family pictures. He was the photographer for a church directory while a member of Fain Memorial Presbyterian church.

He loved to travel and especially with his family. While their children were growing up most of their trips were within Texas except for a trip to Washington, D.C. Joe and Wanda took trips with John, as an adult, to the east and west coasts. They took a memorable trip to Vancouver, Canada with Jo Ann and husband, Tom. After reconnecting with the Navy friend, Joe and Wanda traveled to Costa Rica to visit Jim Traitz and wife Florian. The first trip was for his 75th birthday. All their travels created memories they recalled often.

Throughout his life, he was a faithful servant of God. He believed and lived a servant's life in his participation in worship, church leadership, choir member, church missions. He served as a deacon and/or elder in Trinity, Fain, and New Hope Presbyterian Churches. He served local missions, Faith Mission, and New Hope's Mobile Food Ministry. Faith Mission was an important father-daughter time for him. Because of that, Jo Ann has continued serving for 13 years. His participation in worship services included being liturgist, singing in the choir at Trinity and always in the congregation.

Along with his parents, Joe was also preceded in death by his son, John M. Gonzales, sister, Dilia Gonzales, and his brothers Oscar Gonzales and Noe Balderas.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Wanda Gonzales, of the home and his daughter, Jo Ann (Tommy) Johnston of Wichita Falls, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

For those desiring, memorial contributions may be sent to: New Hope Presbyterian Church, 1701 Enterprise, Wichita Falls, TX 76306; The Samaritan Fund, c/o Presbyterian Manor, Wichita Falls, TX 76308; or to a charity of your choice.