Manuel Gomez Gonzales, Sr.

Manuel Gomez Gonzales, lifelong resident of Rochester, Texas passed away Wednesday, January 22, 2014 in Little Elm, Texas. Mr. Gonzales was 56. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, January 27, 2014 at the First Baptist Church in Rochester with Senior Pastor Bishop Helsley officiating. Burial will take place immediately following the services at O'Brien Cemetery under the direction of Smith Family Funeral Homes.

One of 14 children, Manuel was born May 7, 1957 in Knox City, Texas to Susanna (Gomez) and Elubarde Gonzales. Manuel was a farmer.

He is preceded in death by his parents; 3 brothers, Matt Gonzales, Larry Gonzales, Antonio Gonzales; 3 sisters, Inez Olvera, Juanita Gonzales, and Estella Gonzales.

Manuel leaves behind his 2 sons, John Mark Lopez and wife Jennifer of Abilene, Manuel G. Gonzales of Denton, Texas; daughter, Sandra Lopez of Mesquite, Texas; 7 grandchildren, Myra, Ryline, RJ, John Mark, Jr., Angelina, Lucia, and Alejandra; 5 sisters, Tomasa Villanueva, Carlotta Hernandez, Christina Diaz, Soyla Magana, Sylvia Gonzales; 3 brothers, Jesse Gonzales, Leo Gonzales, Ralph Gonzales; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.