In Loving Memory of Richard C. Gonzales

Richard C. Gonzales age 87, of Raton, passed away Friday May 18, 2018 in Raton. He was born May 25, 1930 in Mexhoma, OK the son of Petroleno and Ramoncita Lujan-Gonzales. He graduated from the Raton High School in 1948 he married Louise Romero on July 28, 1950 they renewed their vows twice on there 25th and 50th anniversaries. Richard is a Veteran of the United States Army, he served thirty three years at the National Guard Armory, was then transferred to the Pentagon and served eighteen years, while there he received many honors. His first week into working at the Pentagon, he was then promoted to Sergeant Major. He was elected Hispanic of the year at the Pentagon. He worked at the Pentagon for twenty years and was the first New Mexican to receive a special commendation specially for the Pentagon. He was a member of St. Patrick’s-St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Raton, a member of the Knights of Columbus Coronado Council 1332 for fifty two years and a fourth degree member of Our Lady of Victory 2337 where he held different positions. Richard and his wife Louise were elected Family of the year for the New Mexico Knights of Columbus fron 2007 to 2008. He also worked at the County Courthouse as the County Assessor for many years. He loved spending time outside in his beloved garden, he was a beloved father and grandfather who raised three of his own children three grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

Richard is preceded in death by his parents, one son Bryan Gonzales, four brothers, Bill, Alfonso, Joe and Alex Gonzales, two sisters, Alice Huddleston and Marie Garcia. He is survived by his wife of the home, two daughters, Karen and Lynn Lovett, brother Hap Gonzales and sister Eleanor Lovato. Grandchildren, Jonni Valdez, Jaymi Newman, Jody Sias, Jimmi Valdez Keith Valdez, Joy Gilbert, Lynsey Lovett, Cody Lovett, Kasey Lovett and Logan Black fifteen Great Grandchildren and three Great Great Grandchildren and Nemours nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be Wednesday May 23, 2018 from 4:00 P.M. until 6:00 P.M. at the Yaksich-Long Funeral Home in Raton. Recitation of the Most Holy Rosary will be Thursday May 24, 2018 at 10:00 A.M, at St. Patrick’s-St. Joseph’s Catholic Church recited by the Knight of Columbus, Mass of the resurrection will follow at 10:30 with Father William Woytavice as the celebrant. Rite of Christian Burial will follow at the Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Raton.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Raton Humane Society P.O. Box 1321 Raton, NM 87740 or the Knights of Columbus C/O Sean Johnson 36 Private Rd 2001 Raton, NM. 87740

Services and celebration of love for Richard C. Gonzales are under the direction of the Yaksich-Long Funeral Home of Raton.