Steven Marcus Gonzales

Steven Marcus Gonzales joined his father, Judge Eustolio "Tolo" Gonzales, and brother, Edward David Gonzales, in Heaven on August 25, 2025, surrounded by his loving daughter and family. Steve was born in Raymondville, Texas, and moved to San Marcos in his later years.

Steve-and Steve-O, as he was affectionately known to family and friends-had varied interests and worked in the oil field for many years. But his true passion was cars and trucks. A self-taught, skilled, and sought-after mechanic, Steve operated a car repair shop right on his property so he could stay close to his beloved mother, who lived with him. His hands were rarely clean, and his shop was often full, but it was where he thrived-solving mechanical puzzles and helping neighbors get back on the road.

Steve was a lover of Tejano music, Classic Rock, Heavy Metal and the Dallas Cowboys. Whether he was working in the garage or relaxing at home, you could often hear the sounds of his favorite songs playing in the background-or catch him passionately cheering (and sometimes yelling) at the TV during a Cowboys game. These were some of the simple joys that brought him great happiness and that connected him to his roots and community.

From a young age, Steve possessed a rare gift-the ability to fix just about anything. Whether it was a car engine that refused to turn over or a neighbor's leaky faucet, he had an uncanny knack for understanding how things worked and, more importantly, how to make them work again. He was the one everyone called when something broke-not just because he could fix it, but because he would drop everything to help without hesitation.

But Steve was far more than a gifted mechanic and handyman. He was a kind soul with a heart as generous as his laugh was quick. His loyalty to his friends and family never wavered. If you were lucky enough to be counted among his inner circle, you knew what it meant to be truly supported-without judgment, without conditions, and always with a smile.

He had a wit that could brighten even the darkest day. Conversations with Steve were often filled with laughter, unexpected jokes, and a sense of ease that made you feel instantly at home. Making friends came naturally to him; he never met a stranger he didn't find common ground with.

He especially loved teasing his daughter, sisters and mother, never missing a chance to make them laugh-or roll their eyes-with his playful humor. It was one of the many ways he showed his affection, and one they'll miss dearly.

Above all, Steve was resolute. Once he set his mind to something, you could count on him to see it through. Whether it was rebuilding a transmission, standing by a friend in need, or facing life's many challenges, he did so with quiet strength and determination.

Though our hearts are heavy, we take comfort in knowing that the world is better for having had him in it. His legacy will live on in every engine that runs a little smoother because of his touch, in every friend who remembers his loyalty, and in every family member who carries his memory forward.

He is survived by his loving mother, Emilia Margarita (Saenz) Gonzales, his daughter Emily, his sisters; Abigail (Weldon) Davis, Kristine (Martin) Rivera, Patricia E. Gonzales, and brother Gabriel N. (Wendy) Gonzales; nieces, Lisette (Chris) Richardson, Layla Gonzales; nephews, Owen Rivera, Oliver and Luca Gonzales, great-nephews Ryan and Jake Richardson, and a wide circle of friends who were more like family.

Viewing will be held on Friday, August 29, 2025, from 1 p.m. until 9 p.m. with a holy rosary at 7 p.m. at Good Shepherd Funeral Home. Funeral mass will be held on Saturday, August 30, 2025, at 10 a.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. Interment will follow to his final place of rest at the Raymondville Memorial Park Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you honor his memory by lending a helping hand to someone in need-just like he always did.

He may be gone from our sight, but never from our hearts.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the caring hands of Good Shepherd Funeral Home, 1157 W. Hidalgo Ave., Raymondville, Texas 78580.