Fred Gonzales

Fred Leo Gonzales, 78, of Clovis, NM passed away at his home on Wednesday, February 5, 2025 with his family by his side. Fred was born July 05, 1946 in Fort Sumner, NM to the home of Albert and Louisa (Lopez) Gonzales. Fred grew up in Fort Sumner where he attended Fort Sumner Schools and graduated with the class of 1964. 

Fred married Betty Zamora on July 3, 1965 in Fort Sumner, NM at the original Saint Anthony's Catholic Church. Fred and Betty moved to Effingham, Illinois for 4 years, before returning to Clovis in 1969. 

Fred was a skilled mechanic and had a passion for working on cars. He worked for Doc Stewart, and later Bender GM dealership as a mechanic. He loved to rebuild cars, and auto carburetors. When he wasn't working on cars, he enjoyed building Legos, watching the Dallas Cowboys, and NASCAR. Dale Earnhardt was his all time favorite driver. Fred also enjoyed spending time with his grandkids.  

Fred is preceded in death by his parents Albert and Louisa Gonzales, two brothers: Albert Gonzales Jr and Joe Frank Gonzales, and one sister Rosalie Geisler.  

Fred will be dearly missed by his wife Betty Gonzales of the home in Clovis, his children Michael and wife Lynette Gonzales of Albuquerque, Connie and husband Marcus Loyd of Texico, NM and Kathleen and husband Wesley Lockwood of Clovis, NM, his grandchildren Mathew Bodine and Michael Bodine both of Peoria, AZ, Gaby Borden of Grady, NM, Samy Durbin of Cannon Air Force Base, NM, and Ollie Gonzales and Maddie Gonzales both of Albuquerque, NM and an expected great-grandson "Little Peanut" in May. Also surviving are two brothers George Gonzales (Ruby) and Steve Gonzales both of Fort Sumner, and two sisters Mary Ann Delgado (Rito), and Melba Torres (Alex) both of Roswell, along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and many close friends.

The rosary will be recited at 10:00 am Saturday, February 8, 2025 at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Fort Sumner. The funeral Mass will follow at 10:30 am with Father Sotero Sena officiating. Interment will be in the Garden of Love, Fort Sumner Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Mathew Bodine, Michael Bodine, Daniel Cornejo, Chantry Borden, Carl Boband, and Saul Olivas. Honorary bearers will be all his many friends.

Please keep Fred and his family in your prayers. You may leave a tribute, share a favorite memory and sign the guestbook at www.chavezfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements are under the direction of Chavez Funeral Home, 830 N. Fifth Street, Fort Sumner, New Mexico. (575) 355-2311.