- Date Of Birth: November 19, 1932
- Date Of Death: January 25, 2017
- State: Texas
As Martin Luther proclaimed, “Good works do not make a good man, but a good man does good works.” A good man is made through his own golden heart. Some parts of his heart are inherent while other parts are constructed through his own morals. He makes the world a better place whether the people around him know it or not, and yet they still reap the benefits of his good nature. Despite adversity, Felix Alvarado Gonzales, Sr. was a good husband, a good father, a good friend, and just a good, wholesome man who marked his steps with joy and love.
On Saturday, November 19, 1932, Valentine and Tiburcia Gonzales welcomed their new baby, Felix, into the world in Dallas, Texas. As the youngest of nine siblings, Felix learned much from observing his older brothers and sisters. Some lessons were through good moments, and others were from watching mistakes. However, all the lessons shaped Felix into a honest, respectful, hardworking man who impacted so many throughout his life. One person who Felix impacted very early within his life equally impacted him for his whole lifetime. Rosalie Vasquez enamored Felix, and Felix just knew she was the one. On July 7, 1951 at the age of 19, Felix Gonzales took Rosalie as his wife and his love. Together, Felix and Rosalie Gonzales had five boys who they loved very much, and they made a warm, happy home.
Although their family life was full of love and joy, Felix had to pull himself and his family through difficult times. At the very beginning of his marriage, Felix lost his left hand to a tragic workplace accident. For many men, the loss of a hand would cause great stress and depression, but not Felix. Instead, Felix rose above his loss of his hand and refused to let his new problem keep him from living life as he saw fit. He never complained about losing his hand. He never let the loss of his hand slow him down.
Like a tree in a flat field of grass, Felix was different from everyone else, provided support for everyone else, and rose above everyone else. At parties, home, or cookouts, you could tell Felix was different than most people. Along with disliking the Cowboys, he never cursed, smoked, or drank unlike everyone else around him. Negative words or degrading talk also never came out of Felix’s mouth. Instead he used his words and his actions to teach others, instill good morals, and give advice. At times the advice might really be scolding, but Felix always managed to do so in a fun, sarcastic kind of way. His morals, love, and advice took hold within his children and his grandchildren much like the author of Proverbs writes, “A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children” (Proverbs 13:22). With his pure heart, Felix always lent himself to anyone in need. His personality was so selfless and genuine. During times when he did become frustrated with his children or with others, Felix never showed violence or hostility. Instead he overcame his frustrations with understanding and care. Within his family and friends, Felix was well loved and respected, and he loved and respected others just as much. His amazing values radiated throughout the family, and he always found some way to make everyone feel special in their own way.
When Felix wasn’t working to provide for his family, he took time to do other things that he enjoyed. Working in the garage and tinkering with different machines and tools was a joy for Felix. He also loved to work outside around his house and prided himself on keeping a manicured and beautiful yard for his family and his neighbors to enjoy. When he went into the house, he would make his way to the kitchen to grab some fruit, bread, and sandwich material and sit down at the table to enjoy his simple snack with those around. Felix loved to have a good time with others, but he didn’t need very much to make him happy. He was a very simple man, but he was also very sentimental. Many times he liked to treat his grandchildren with games, sweets, and trips. His granddaughter remembers going over to his house to play a friendly game of bingo. Another grandchild recalled how anytime they heard the ice cream truck or the paleta man, their loving grandfather would take his grandchildren outside to receive their sweet treats. He always liked to spoil his grandchildren one way or another. Along with all these fond memories, the whole family recalls the many times Felix would haul people in his blue Ford truck to grab snow cones at Aunt Stella’s in Oak Cliff. The family also recalls his trips to Seattle to visit his son. In 1980 during one of these trips, he relished seeing the famous sites of Seattle including Mount St. Helen. During the same trip, they even took a trip farther up North into Canada. The whole family including Felix enjoyed making memories all together as they traveled and experienced the world. A fond memory is when Felix took the family all the way down to Yellowstone National Park only to see Ol’ Faithful and then drive straight back home. It is a wonderful, fun memory that will stay with the family always. Felix left many amazing, unique memories with each member of his family along with his love.
As writer Johann Wolfgang von Goethe declared, “The ground that a good man treads is hallowed.” Many people who came across Felix’s path were blessed. His love and his care knew no bounds. He loved each of his siblings very much. His devotion to his children were unfathomable. His heart towards his grandchildren was pure and loving. The attention and care he gave to his nieces and nephews were sweet and unique. Above all, his love to his wife, Rosalie, was unwavering and unconditional. Felix loved his wife of 65 years more than anything in the world. If love would keep someone here on earth, Felix would have never left, but unfortunately to the sorrow and pain of his family and friends, Felix Alvarado Gonzales, Sr. passed away surround by his loved ones on Wednesday, January 25, 2017 in Frisco, Texas. Felix will be greatly missed and remembered in the hearts and lives of everyone who was blessed to meet him. His morals, his lessons, and his love will never be forgotten.
Mr. Felix Alvarado Gonzales, Sr. is survived by his loving, devoted wife of 65 years, Rosalie Gonzales; his dear children, Ernest Gonzales, Daniel Gonzales and his wife, Dee, and David Gonzales and his wife, Anna; his grandchildren, Christina Dansby and her husband, James, Christian Gonzales and his wife, Josey, Gabriel Gonzales and his wife, Loretta, Jason Gonzales, Brittani Gonzales, Gabriela Gonzales, Ava Gonzales, and Leo Gonzales; his eight great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, and friends. Mr. Felix Gonzales, Sr. is preceded in death by his sons, Albert Gonzales and Felix Gonzales, Jr.; his parents, Valentine and Tiburcia Gonzales; and his siblings, Manuel Gonzales, Primo Gonzales, Luis Gonzales, Alfanso “Poncho” Gonzales, Anita Gonzales, Cleo Gonzales, and Rufina Gonzales.
Friday, January 27th, 2017, 5:00pm – 8:00pm, Hughes Family Tribute Center
Saturday, January 28th, 2017, 11:00am, Hughes Family Tribute Center
Crown Hill Memorial Park
