JOAQUIN P. GONZALEZ, age 99, passed away Monday, April 21, 2025.  He was a lifelong resident of La Union, NM.  He served in the United States Army during World War II in Okinawa as a Military Police.   He retired from White Sands Missile Range after 30 years of service.

He is survived by three sons, Xavier, Joaquin Jr. (Sylvia) and Marco Antonio (Helen); three daughters, Marie Becerra (Robert), Bernadette Wylie (Danny) and Alma Forti (Robert). Other survivors include 13 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren.   He was preceded in death by his wife, Maria M.S. Gonzalez his spouse of 66 years; son Miguel Angel Gonzalez; his parents Jose Gonzalez and Maria Ponce; 5 brothers and 3 sisters.

Services are under the direction of Baca Funeral Chapel.  His vigil services will be held on Friday, May 2, 2025 @ 6:00 PM and The Funeral Mass on Saturday, May 3, 2025 @ 9:00 AM all at Our Lady of Refuge Church in La Union, NM.  Burial to follow at the La Union Cemetery. Military honor will be accorded by the New Mexico Army National Guard Honor Guard and the Marine Corps League - El Perro Diablo Detachment.

Serving as casket bearers will be Robert Becerra Jr, Raul Ramirez, Adrain Ramirez, Jacob Gonzalez, Joah Gonzalez, Jarod Gonzalez, Amador Gonzalez, and Gabriel Gonzalez.

Honorary bearers: Robert Becerra, Danny Wylie, Robert Forti, Omar Burciaga, Fernando Torres, Thorbech Nelson, Xavier Gonzalez, Joaquin Gonzalez Jr., and Mark Gonzalez.

Service arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Baca's Funeral Chapels of Las Cruces, 300 E. Boutz Road, 527-2222. Your exclusive provider for "Veterans and Family Memorial Care." For online condolences logon to www.bacasfuneralchapelslascruces.com