Herman J. Gonzales

Herman J. Gonzales, 65 of Fort Sumner passed away at his daughter's home in Portales on Saturday, December 16, 2017 following a short illness. He was born March 14, 1952 in Fort Sumner to the home of Leandro and Alberta (Sena) Gonzales. He grew up in Fort Sumner where he attended schools. He graduated from Fort Sumner High School in 1971. He participated in football and basketball. Herman married Linda Lopez on November 10, 1973 in Fort Sumner. He worked most of his life as a carpenter with many of those years with Jim Sena Construction Company. Herman was a member of St. Anthony Catholic Church in Fort Sumner. He enjoyed spending time with his grand kids, and attending their sporting events. Herman, like many of his brothers was a talented musician, he enjoyed playing the harmonica. According to his family, Herman was always willing to help others, a loving husband and father, and a loyal friend. He thought the world of his grandchildren and loved his family unconditionally. Herman was well known for his sense of humor and always willing to go out of his way to put a smile on those he encountered daily. He is preceded in death by his parents, his wife Linda Gonzales on December 22, 2012, two sisters Dolores Sanchez and Lucy Blea and an infant son Baby Boy Gonzales in 1978. Survivors include two children, a daughter Brenda Alvarado (Matt) of Portales, NM, and a son Herman Gonzales Jr. (Melanie Diaz) of Portales, four grandchildren Patrick Alvarado, Noah Alvarado, Alivia Gonzales, and K.C. Diaz all of Portales. Also surviving is his mother in law Rebecca Lopez of Fort Sumner, along with six siblings, brothers Ernest Gonzales, Jerry Joe Gonzales, Willie Gonzales (Rosalie), of Fort Sumner, Tony Lucero (Anna) of Clovis, and twin brother Harold "Bixby" Gonzales of Fort Sumner, one sister, Erma Rodriguez (Vincent) of Fort Sumner along with his many nieces, nephews, other family and many friends. Visitation hours will be Monday from 1pm to 6pm and Tuesday from 1pm-5pm at the funeral home. A rosary will be recited at 6pm Tuesday, December 19, 2017 at St. Anthony Parish in Fort Sumner. Mass will be celebrated from St. Anthony Parish at 10am on Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2017. Burial will follow at St. Anthony Cemetery with Fr. Sotero A. Sena officiating. Pallbearers will include Ernest Gonzales, Jerry Gonzales, Willie Gonzales, Tony Lucero, and Harold Gonzales (twin brother). Ricky Sanchez, Lawrence Sanchez, Derek Blea, Carlos Lopez, Andy Anaya, DJ Gonzales, Adan Shane Lopez, and Manuel Lucero. Arrangements are under the direction of Chavez Funeral Home, 830 N. Fifth Street, Fort Sumner, New Mexico. (575) 355-2311. To place a note of condolence or sign the guest book go to www.chavezfuneralhome.com