Sheriff Santiago Gonzalez, Jr., 55, of Sanderson, was called by our heavenly Father on March 2, 2022. He was born Nov. 24, 1966, in Chicago, Ill., to Santiago Gonzalez, Sr., and Maria Rafaela Garcia De Gonzalez. He was raised and spent most of his adolescence in Laredo, Texas.

Santiago graduated in 1988 with his degree in Criminal Justice. From there Santiago entered the Federal Training Center in Glynco, Ga. It was here that he began to see the realization of his childhood dreams of becoming a Border Patrol Agent. He completed the rigorous training, and with honors he became a Border Patrol Agent at the age of 22, and never looked back. He enjoyed working with the many legions of fellow agents. He will truly be remembered as a legend amongst the ranks of the Border Patrol for many years to come.

He retired in 2018 with the distinguished rank of SBPA, GS-13, after 30 years of proudly wearing Border Patrol green. Santiago then went on to put his name on the ballot for Terrell County sheriff. In 2020, he officially began representing his many constituents as the county’s top law enforcement agent. Santiago will be remembered as a great man who gave his life in the service of his community.

We will dearly miss his hearty laugh, his boisterous voice, and even that look we got if we stepped out of line.

“Un hijo ejemplar, un hermano ideal, un padre, y abuelo generoso, Buen esposo, y un magnifico amigo.”

That is how family, friends, and colleagues alike would describe Santiago - as a good man, great company, and a faithful friend.

He was preceded in death by his father, Santiago Gonzalez, Sr.

Those left to honor and cherish his memory are his loving mother Maria Gonzalez; his beloved wife Minerva Gonzalez; daughter Melissa Uribe and husband Saul; son Santiago Gonzalez III; granddaughter Mia Uribe; brother Jose Luis Gonzalez; sister Leticia Gonzalez; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, dear friends, and colleagues.

Visitation was held March 5-8, 2022, at Heritage Funeral Home of the Big Bend, Fort Stockton, Texas. Visitation was held on March 9, 2022, at Sanderson High School auditorium, Sanderson, Texas. Rosary was March 9, 2022, at the Sanderson High School auditorium. Funeral Mass will be on March 10, 2022, at 11 a.m. at the Sanderson High School auditorium. Interment will follow at Cedar Grove Cemetery in Sanderson.

Arrangements are entrusted to Heritage Funeral Home of the Big Bend in Fort Stockton. If you would like to send your condolences to the family, you may do so by signing his guestbook at heritagefuneralhomeofthebigbend.com.