Gerardo Gonzalez

Gerardo Gonzalez was born on May 29, 1943, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.  He was born to Francisco "Frank" Hoyos Gonzalez and Elena "Helen" Garza [Sanchez ] Gonzalez of Dallas, Texas.  He went home to be with the Lord Monday afternoon, February 17, 2020.  He was surrounded with love as his family was by his side until he entered Heaven.

Gerardo "Gerard" married Patricia Thannisch Hudson on March 12, 1964, in Dallas, TX.  He was preceded in death by his father, Francisco "Frank" Hoyos Gonzalez, February 27, 1997, and his mother, Elena "Helen" Gonzalez on July 11, 2006.  And most recently the love of his life, his wife Patricia who also went home to be with the Lord only 17 days before he joined her in Heaven. They were just shy of twenty-five days of celebrating fifty-seven years of marriage. He came to know the Lord Jesus as his personal Lord and Savior through the planting of the seeds and many prayers from his godly wife, Patricia. She prayed for his salvation.  Gerard confessed to being a believer and even hosted men's bible study in his home before going to live for a short time at a nursing home in Rockwall, TX.  He was beloved by all his caretakers who affectionately nick named him, Pappa.

Survivors are daughter and son-in-law: Diane Elizabeth and Scott Eller. Son and daughter-in-law, Gerard "Scott" and Stacey Gonzalez.  Daughter and son-in-law, Angela Marie Medina and George Hensley. Granddaughter, Lauren Chambers, Granddaughter and husband, Britney and Adam Bazaldua, Grandson and wife, Gabriel and Jill Gonzalez, Grandson and wife, Austin Cory and Stephanie Chambers, Grandson, Kevin Dean Larson, Grandson Grayson Scott Gonzalez, Granddaughter Ava Hensley, Grandson George Hensley.  Great-grandchildren, Elissa Diane McMillin, Celisse Marie Bazaldua, Adrie Ann McMillin, Scarlett Cecille Chambers, Gibson Scott Gonzalez, and Luke Austin Chambers. Sister Maria "Mary Helen" Elena Brazile.  Nephews, Robert, Jason, and Frank Brazile and many cousins.

Gerard went to Arlington State College for two years.  Before starting his own businesses, He enjoyed being successful in owning a car lot, "Gerard Motors" and multiple Auto Parts stores "Gerard Auto Parts" and Able 2 Towing Service.  Gerard retired.  and for years Gerard's passion was piloting his personal airplanes, he owned a total of ten in his lifetime.  He was licensed for flying Private, Commercial Instrument, Multi-Engine ratings. Through the years this allowed him to take many trips with his family and to make memorable lifetime memories. Many who knew him would say he has a stern personality, but beneath the exterior, he had the most generous heart. He opened his heart and wallet to many people.  He and Patricia helped many people, even taking into their own home families who needed a hand up. He was known to his children as the most loving dad and most generous man.  He loved his family and created a legacy that will live on for generations. Gerard achieved status of a 32nd-degree Mason, Dallas, TX.   Gerard survived cancer and through all of the medical struggles he had to endure, he never complained.  He was the strongest physically until health changed his ability. What we all can say is he endured a lot; yet he demonstrated strength, proving to be the strongest person we've ever known for mental toughness.  He will be greatly missed by his family, he was the best father and PaPa. His family would describe him as "love” and he showed love for his family, he role-modeled what it is to be a good provider and encourager.

There will be a visitation and sharing with the family from 6 P.M. to 8 P.M. on Friday, February 21, 2020, at West/Hurtt Funeral Home in DeSoto, TX.
Funeral Services will be held at 1 PM. on Saturday, February 22, 2020, at Ovilla Road Church of the Nazarene and located at 315 W. Ovilla Rd, Glenn Heights, TX., 75154 With Rev. Chip Lee. Pastor Ron Adams will be officiating. Interment will follow at Shiloh Cemetery in Ovilla, Texas.

(The church is located WEST of interstate 35,  on Hwy 664 aka: Ovilla Road, just past Hampton Rd, and Shields Elementary School)

Memorials can be made to Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for kids. Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Kids.