Mateo “Popo” M. Gonzalez, Jr., 94, passed away on Aug. 11, 2022.  He was born in Fort Stockton, Texas, on Jan. 31, 1928, to Mateo Gonzalez, Sr., and Seferina M. Gonzalez. 

Many years of his life were dedicated to his passion as a rancher/cowboy. After retiring from ranching, Mateo and his family moved to the city where he learned the skill of welding. He was a self-employed welder when he eventually retired from work in his 80s.

Mateo was a kind, caring, and compassionate soul who loved the Lord and life. He took great pride in his family and friends, and in his little Chihuahua Kira Renee.

Mateo “Popo” will be greatly missed by those who knew him.

Mateo was preceded in death by his wife Barbara H. Gonzalez in 2010. He is survived by his children Isabel Hernandez (Luis) and Pete Gonzalez (Jeanie) of Houston, Texas, Mary Pacheco, Carlos Gonzalez (Velma) of San Angelo, Texas, Mary Alice Granado (Frank) and Nellie Kansky (Jon) of Oklahoma City, Okla.; grandchildren Luis Hernandez, Albert Hernandez, Isaiah Granado, Jennifer Castillo, Naomi Pacheco, Jarrod Nelson, Tyler Nelson, Brook Tipton, and Matthew Gonzalez; and 19 great grandchildren.

Visitation was Aug. 15, 2022, and funeral service was Aug. 16, 2022, at Heritage Funeral Home of the Big Bend in Fort Stockton, Texas. Internment followed at East Hill Cemetery, Fort Stockton.

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 his guestbook at heritagefuneralhomeofthebigbend.com.