Heriberto Gonzalez Sr., 76 was called home on October 5, 2022.  He was born August 20, 1946, in Benavides, Texas to Parents Francisco Gonzalez and Hortencia (Ochoa) Gonzalez. He was preceded in death by his loving Parents and sister Mary (Gonzalez) Valenzuela.

He is survived by his devoted and loving wife of 36 years Lydia (Reyna) Gonzalez, son Heriberto Gonzalez Jr. (Jessica Gonzalez), son Frank Leo Gonzalez (Patricia Gonzalez), stepson Dr. Stephen Toby Luis and stepson Roland Michael Luis, grandsons Robert Leo Gonzalez, Aaron Heriberto Roldan Gonzalez, granddaughter Anna Marie Gonzalez and sister Josie (Gonzalez) Olvera along with numerous nieces and nephews.

After graduation from Benavides High School in 1965 where he lettered in football and basketball, Heriberto proudly served his country as a Marine during the Vietnam era. Afterwards, Heriberto continued to serve his country as an employee of the United States Postal Service for over 30 years as well as graduating from Del Mar College (AS) in 1977.

He married his soulmate Lydia in 1987 and built a lifelong loving relationship together as husband and wife. They loved each other unconditionally and honored their vows with the Catholic Church. Together, they enjoyed each other's friendship and loyalty. They traveled near and far, worshiped, laughed, and spent everyday together. Lydia always cared for Heriberto selflessly especially during his final years as his caregiver.

Heriberto was a great father to his sons Eddie and Leo. He taught them hard work, pride, laughter, and unconditional love.  He enjoyed spending simple, quality time with his children and especially loved visiting with his grandchildren, Robert, Anna, and Aaron. Heriberto was also a caring stepfather and always provided guidance to his stepsons Steve and Roland Luis and his nephew Ryan Evan Escamilla.

Heriberto loved to spend time outdoors and traveling to different places. In his spare time and especially after retirement he would spend time having breakfast at Jalisco, visiting his ranch, working on his house, cooking BBQ, going to Cowboys and Astros games, traveling around the United States, and visiting the casinos in Las Vegas and Coushatta with Lydia.

At the core of it all, Heriberto was a humble family man who enjoyed spending time with his wife, sons, and grandchildren.  He was a great son, husband, father, brother, uncle, friend, and grandfather who will be greatly missed.

The family would like to thank Heriberto's lifelong friends Oscar Salinas and Joe Carrillo who were always there to support and listen throughout his life and final years. In addition, a special thanks to the staff of April Skyy Home Health, Dr. Frank Martinez's staff, and the VA Crystal Team especially Bridgette Hott, RN.

Public Visitation will begin at 5:00 p.m. with a Holy rosary to be recited at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, October 18, 2022 at Guardian Funeral Home Chapel.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 12:00 noon Wednesday, October 19, 2022 at Most Precious Blood Catholic Church, 3502 Saratoga Blvd., Burial will follow with Military Honors at the Coastal Bend State Veterans Cemetery, 9974 I.H. 37 North Access Rd.

The following will have the honor to serve as pallbearers: Ryan Evan Escamilla, Albert Reyna, Marcos Reyna, Tony Reyna, and Arnoldo Rene Canales. Honoree pallbearers will be Robert Leo Gonzalez and Aaron Heriberto Roldan Gonzalez.

Guardian Funeral Home 361-853-0155.