Col. Raul Gonzalez

RAUL GONZALEZ

May 14, 1948 – September 24, 2023

Col. Raul Gonzalez Montemayor (Ret.), 75, formerly of Laredo, TX, joined our Lord in His heavenly kingdom on Sunday, September 24, 2023 near Marathon, TX.

Raul was born on May 14,1948 in Laredo, TX to Graciela Montemayor Chapa and Remigio Gonzalez Villareal. He graduated from Peacock Military Academy in San Antonio, TX. in 1968. He obtained a Bachelors of Business Administration degree from Laredo State University and is a graduate of the U.S. Army’s Command General Staff College. With over 37 years of military service, serving in the U.S. Army, Texas National Guard and Texas State Guard, Col. Gonzalez served with great honor and dignity. He received numerous decorations including The Meritorious Service Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Army Commendation Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters, Army Achievement Medal with Three Oak Leaf Clusters Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal 5^th Award, The Lone Star Distinguished Service Medal and many more. Col. Gonzalez deployed to various natural disasters including Hurricane Harvey where he served as Officer in Charge of the NRG Red Cross Shelter in Houston leading and directing over 100 soldiers in a time of need, but beyond his great love to serve and provide, what he valued the most was time spent with his cherished wife, sons, and grandchildren.

Raul was a perfect gentleman. He was generous, kind, calm and loyal.  He taught his sons and grandchildren these values, as well as relishing the beauty of our country and the outdoors. He was passionate about service to our country and riding his motorcycle across the beautiful U.S.

 He is survived and beloved by his wife, Maria del Carmen DeLeon, twin sons; Juan Francisco Gonzalez (Marisol) and Ricardo Rene Gonzalez (Marcela). Five grandchildren; Ricardo Raul, Adan Camilo, Mateo Tomas, Daniel Andres, and Lucia Leonie Gonzalez. Siblings; Remigio Gonzalez Montemayor (Diana), Jose Calderon Montemayor, and Graciela Calderon de Morin (Manuel). Sister-in-law Pinky DeLeon de Vela (Arturo), and many treasured nephews/nieces, family and friends. He would be remiss if we did not mention his beloved cat, Aggie.

The family will be receiving condolences on Sunday evening, October 1, 2023 from 5 to 8:30 p.m. at Joe Jackson North Funeral Chapels & Cremation Services, 1410 Jacaman Rd.; where a Vigil for the Deceased and Rosary will commence at 7 p.m.

Funeral Services will be conducted on Monday morning, October 2, 2023 departing at 8:30 a.m. from Joe Jackson North Funeral Chapels to Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church for a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 9 a.m.

Rite of Committal and Interment will follow at the family plot of the Calvary Catholic Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be: Arturo G. Vela, Jr., Remigio Gonzalez, III., Ricardo Raul Gonzalez, Adan Camilo Gonzalez, Mateo Tomas Gonzalez, and Daniel Andres Gonzalez.

Honorary Pallbearers will be: Arturo G. Vela, Remigio Gonzalez Montemayor, Jose M. Calderon, Manuel Morin, and Rafael “Guero” Gonzalez.   

In lieu of flowers, donations in his name can be made to Volunteers Serving the Need (VSTN) for Veterans and Surviving Spouses in Laredo, Tx. at 1202 Salinas Ave, Laredo TX 78040 (956) 717-2960.

You may express your condolences, share your favorite memories, and sign the guestbook online at: www.joejacksonfuneralchapels.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care and direction of the funeral service professionals at Joe Jackson North Funeral Chapels & Cremation Services, 1410 Jacaman Rd., Laredo, Texas 78041; (956)722-8850.