TITLE: In memory of Precinct 2 justice of the peace Joseph Michael Gonzalez of Del Rio.

SUMMARY: In memory of Precinct 2 justice of the peace Joseph Michael Gonzalez of Del Rio.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The residents of Del Rio lost an admired public servant and community leader with the passing of the Honorable Joseph Michael Gonzalez, justice of the peace of Precinct 2, on August 16, 2013, at the age of 67; and WHEREAS, Born on October 29, 1945, in Centerline, Michigan, Joey Gonzalez was the son of Amalia Gonzalez Forehand, his birth mother, and County Judge Sergio Gonzalez Jr. and Ninfa R. Gonzalez; he graduated from Mount Sacred Heart Military Academy in San Antonio and went on to attend St. Anthony's Seminary School; and WHEREAS, Judge Gonzalez spent most of his professional life as a railroad conductor, first for Southern Pacific and later for Union Pacific, and he retired after 34 years of service; in 2002, he purchased Meme's Kleen Kitchen restaurant, a local favorite for more than 50 years, and made it his goal to ensure that every customer who entered the family-run business left with a smile; and WHEREAS, For a decade, this esteemed gentleman further distinguished himself as the justice of the peace of Precinct 2, and he was also involved with many civic organizations, underscoring his commitment to the community; he helped coordinate Career Awareness Day for the public schools and Sacred Heart Catholic School, and he volunteered with the area MLK march, the youth football and cheer teams, and local veterans; additionally, he was the first Mexican American union president for Union Pacific, and he was active with the Knights of Columbus, among other groups; and WHEREAS, In all his endeavors, Judge Gonzalez enjoyed the love and support of his wife of 45 years, Martha; he delighted in spending time with his children and grandchildren, and he was a valued, lifelong member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church; and WHEREAS, Deeply devoted to his family and his community, Joseph Michael Gonzalez made a meaningful difference in the lives of his loved ones and fellow citizens alike, and he will be fondly remembered for years to come; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 84th Texas Legislature hereby pay tribute to the memory of the Honorable Joseph Michael Gonzalez and extend heartfelt sympathy to the members of his family: to his wife, Martha Ziegler Gonzalez; to his biological mother, Amalia Gonzalez Forehand; to his children, Carolina Gonzalez Ortiz, Jose Sergio Gonzalez, Azalea Gonzalez, Sebastian Seth Gonzalez, Sandra Moncada, Joey Gonzalez, and Maria Cecilia Gonzalez; to his grandchildren, Mia Lizette, Zoey Olivia, and Eliseo Adan Ortiz, and Joey and Riley Gonzalez; to his sisters, Jennie Owens and Rosie Phillips; to his brother, Oscar Gonzalez; and to his other relatives and friends; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for his family and that when the Texas House of Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Joseph Michael Gonzalez. Nev rez Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 840 was unanimously adopted by a rising vote of the House on March 12, 2015. Chief Clerk of the House