It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved brother, uncle, and friend, Jose Luis 'Joe' Gonzales, aged 72. He entered eternal life on Sunday, July 13, 2025, at Memorial Medical Hospital after a courageous battle with cancer. To the very end of his fight, he maintained hope and a positive attitude. He had a very optimistic outlook and was quick to mention how blessed he was.

Jose Luis was born on March 4, 1953, in Caseta, Chihuahua, Mexico, to Jose and Amalia Gonzales. After graduating from Las Cruces High School in 1971, Jose Luis joined the US Navy. He served for 4 years, then served in the Navy Reserves. Thank you for your service!

He returned to Las Cruces, NM, in 1978. He worked at various jobs in Las Cruces, including at: Biad Chile Plant and Dr. Aday's Orthodontics Office. He enjoyed working on projects, refurbishing/refinishing furniture, welding gates, trailers, and carports. He was truly a 'Jack of All Trades'.

Jose Luis is survived by three sisters: Grace Renteria and Lupe Saiz of Las Cruces, NM, and Margaret Gonzales of Henderson, NV; one brother: Robert Gonzales of Las Cruces, NM; and many nieces and nephews.

Jose Luis was preceded in death by his parents, Jose and Amalia Gonzales, his brothers Jesus Gonzales and Rafael Gonzalez, his sister Leticia Gonzalez Triplett, and his nephew Gabriel Ontiveros.

A visitation will be Friday, July 25, 2025, at 9am at Our Lady of Health Church. A Prayer Vigil will begin at 10am followed by a Funeral Mass.

Cremation will take place at a later date, and his ashes will be placed at the columbarium at Fort Bliss National Cemetery, El Paso.

Pallbearers will be Javier Ontiveros, Daniel Anthony Villa, Lawrence Gonzalez, Daniel Villa, Jesus Gonzales Jr. and Gabriel Ontiveros.

Thank you to the Veterans' administration clinics in Las Cruces and in El Paso for the care provided to him. A very special thank you to Dr. Adler and staff at the Memorial Medical Cancer Center. They provided excellent care with great compassion!

Thank you to Lorelei Horse Stands Waiting and Francisco "Panchito" Lopez from All Relations United; Rudy Molina Jr. and all the veterans that are a part of her organization. Jose Luis was very appreciative to be a part of this group of veterans.

Jose Luis worried about the fate of the country he served. He was not happy with the way things are going. His wish was that ALL people be treated with respect and kindness. He had a special place in his heart for veterans and immigrants.