Jose "Joe" Carlos Gonzales passed away on November 26, 2025, at the age of 78. A lifelong resident of Corpus Christi, he was warmly known as "Joe" to all that he met. Joe's keen sense of humor and kind generosity made him the loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend that all remember him by. Joe enjoyed the outdoors and treasured his ranch where everyone hunted. While the sign at the gate said, "Safety First," Joe's first priority was the friendship of sitting at the fire and cooking for his family and guests.

After attending Miller High School, Joe began a lifelong career in construction. Joe's work ethic and initiative were soon noticed moving him from entry level to management positions. Joe was a superintendent at important construction projects in the Corpus Christi area, including One Shoreline Plaza, Port Royal Condominiums, and the Nueces Bay Causeway. Joe eventually retired from the Texas Department of Public Safety where he managed maintenance and construction at several area offices.

While Joe enjoyed fishing and hunting, he valued the time he spent with his family the most. Holidays with family and time at the casino with his wife "Minnie" are the highlights everyone remembers. Even in illness he could not bear to be away from his wife, where he was often heard calling for "mom."

Joe is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Herminia "Minnie" Gonzales; three children Hilda (Patrick) O'Burke, Jose "Joe" Jr. (Alda) Gonzales, and Maria "Mary" (Robert) Pena; nine grandchildren, Rodney Garza Jr, Joe Ill, Jacob and Joshua Gonzales, Robert Ill and Ryan Pena, Aaron Lopez, Ronnie Moon and Autumn O'Burke; and two greatgrandchildren, Oliver and Elliot Moon.

Joe is preceded in death by his parents, Juan B. and Maria Gonzales, brother Henry Gonzales, sister Maria Pena, and parents-in-law Manuel and Luisa Vega. He also leaves behind two sisters, Mary Jane Cervantes and Margie Garza, as well as several nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held Thursday, December 4, from 3pm to 8pm at Guardian Funeral Home, with a rosary at 6:30pm. A Celebration of Life Mass will be conducted at 11:30am on Friday, December 5, at Most Precious Blood Catholic Church, 3502 Saratoga Blvd., Corpus Christi. Burial will follow at Seaside Memorial Park.

Pallbearers will be Joe's beloved grandsons, Rodney Garza Jr., Joe Gonzales Ill, Jacob Gonzales, Joshua Gonzales, Robert Pena Ill, Aaron Lopez and Honorary Pallbearer, Ryan Pena.

A heartfelt thank you to the medics at Corpus Christi Fire Department Station 7 and 8 for their care and support to Joe.

A Reception will be held after the burial at the Guardian Hall 5813 Ayers St./Carolyn.