Obituary of Rafael Gonzales

Our beloved Rafael Gonzales Sr. of Lockhart, Texas has been called to rest on January 1, 2024.

He is proceeded in death by his parents Atilano and Viviana Gonzales; His sons Rafael Gonzales Jr., and Fernando Gonzales; His daughter Viviana "Bebe" Gonzales; His sisters Anita Cedillo and Manuela Prieto; His brother Cleto Gonzales.

Rafael is survived by his loving wife of 65 years Erminia "Minnie" Gonzales; Daughters & son in laws Alice & Joe Aseved, Lydia and Rudy Arellano; Daughter in laws Roxanne Gonzales and Santos Gonzales; Extended son & daughter in law Daniel Jr and Elida Aldaco; Brother Bernardo "Ben"Gonzales (Anita); Sister Janie Gonzales.

Grandchildren: Maria Briones (Enrique), Angelita Cuellar (Jonathan), Martin Cuellar (Olivia), John Albert Espinosa Jr. (Michelle), Mitchell Espinosa (Ashley), Marcos Espinosa, Jason Dominguez, Esmeralda Asevedo (Julian), Joe Asevedo Jr. (Desiree), Christy Asevedo (Juan), Ray Asevedo, Rafael Gonzales III (Lucy), Nina Poulos (John), Lenore Gonzales, Leslie Garcia (Daniel), Kristen Gonzales (Mike), Belinda Gonzales, Danielle Aldaco, Daniel Aldaco III, Anthony Aldaco, Rudy Arellano Jr.

Rafael also has 35 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great grand daughter.

Rafael was born in Blanco, Texas,  he traveled to Morton, Texas where he met his future wife. They decided to move to Austin, Texas for better work opportunities and to raise their children in East Austin at 4608 Tanney Street for many years while watching their children grow up and even some of their grandchildren in this house until they sold it several years ago

His hobbies included working on old cars. He enjoyed going on day trips to Hot Rod Car Shows across the state where he often entered his car and won awards for it. He was a family man who enjoyed spending time with his family. Always taking his grandchildren to the movies, vacation to California, Florida, México, Las Vegas and many other places and states. His love for his wife was beyond measure and enjoyed taking her to the casinos, and traveling on many vacations. 

Rafael was a very hardworker who found his place working for the City of Austin until his retirement after 25 years of service. 

Serving as pallbears will be his grandsons John Albert Espinosa Jr. Martin Cuellar, Mitchell Espinosa, Marcos Espinosa, Joe Asevedo Jr., Rafael Gonzales III, Enrique Briones, and Jonathan Esquivel

Rafael's family would like to give a special thank you to his grandson and wife John Albert Jr. and Michelle Espinosa for taking great care of him during the last few years of his life. They spoiled him with everything he could possibly want from cooking for him when asked, going to get fast food & his favorite milk shakes, taking him on car rides to get him out of the house. Watching old movies with him and even going to the theateres to show him the new movies. 

Visitation will be held on Monday, January 8, 2024 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., with Rosary at 7:00 p.m., at Mission Funeral Home Serenity, 6204 S 1st Street, Austin, Texas 78745.

Celebration of life will be held on Tuesday, January 9, 2024, at 10:00 a.m., at Mission Funeral Home Serenity, 6204 S 1st Street, Austin, Texas 78745.