Ismael M. Gonzales, 74, of Fort Stockton, Texas, peacefully passed away on the evening of Nov. 23, 2021, surrounded by his loved ones in the home he built to raise and enjoy his family.

Ish was born in Fort Stockton to Carlos and Basilia Gonzales on April 30, 1947, and was the baby of 13 children. He married the love of his life, Alva, on April 14, 1970, by the Justice of the Peace, then celebrated a church wedding Nov. 4, 1970, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. Ish and Alva had just celebrated their 51st wedding anniversary.

Ish worked many years at Cunningham’s Furniture with a specialty in floor coverings. He went on to work for University of Texas Lands as a supervisor where he lead a team to the groundbreaking of the experimental vineyards, which later advanced and turned into St. Genevieve’s winery. After retiring from there, Ish decided to work for Pecos County Precinct 2 where he kept the entire park and swimming pool in tiptop shape for many years, and finally completely retired in 2005.

Ish loved his family with all he had, never putting anything or anyone before them. He was very generous, caring, hardworking, smart, very funny person to all who crossed his path. He will be remembered by his infectious laugh, funny stories and mannerisms, and mostly by his loving heart to his friends and family. All his grandchildren were his world, as he even helped raise Carly for the past 19 years.

Ish was preceded in death by his parents, Carlos and Basilia Gonzales; sisters Licha Dominguez and Elodia Garcia; brothers Lalo Gonzales, Antonio Gonzales, Jesse Gonzales, Nachie Gonzales, and Charlie Gonzales.

Ish is survived by his wife Alva Gonzales; his son Carl Gilbert Gonzales (Jennifer Amonette); his daughter MonaLisa Gonzales; and seven cherished grandchildren, Trooper J. Gonzales, Jenna F. Gonzales, Willam S. Gonzales, Jesse M. Gonzales, Turk L. Amonette, Carly B. Gonzales, and Allyana F. Gonzales.

A memorial was held at Heritage Funeral Home on Nov. 27, 2021, with a rosary beforehand.

The family of Ismael Gonzales wishes to extend our sincere thanks to Dr. Boinpally and Home Health and Hospice with all their wonderful nurses and their loving care they showed our cherished loved one; Heritage Funeral Home for the utmost care and consideration during this time, Pastor Scott Owens for leading Ish’s memorial service, Rosie Levitt for leading the rosary for her Uncle Mel, and lastly Father Francis for his blessings and home visit.

Arrangements were 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 her guestbook at heritagefuneralhomeofthebigbend.com.