Retired SFC Ernest Gonzales, 66, of San Antonio, Texas passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on July 21, 2026.

Born on September 23,1959, in Lamesa, Texas.  Ernest was the son of Valdemar V.P.Gonzales and Dominga M. Dunn.  He is preceded in death by his parents.  He is survived by his son Michael Lee Gonzales, daughter Heather Roxanne Gonzales (Stella)and granddaughter Cristella Reyes, twin brother Edward Gonzales (Julie), brother David Gonzales (Norma) and sister Christina Poncio (Cheno) and numerous nieces and nephews he adored and loved.

Ernest was a proud soldier of the U.S. Army with many deployments including Turkey, Kuwait, Bosnia, Afghanistan and Iraq. He always said "I GO SO MY FAMILY CAN LIVE FREE".

He had an extraordinary gift of bringing people together, mentoring young leaders and building friendships that crossed the seas.  He will be remembered for his generous spirit, his courage and all his famous quotes.

The family will honor Ernest's life on Thursday August 13, 2026 with a visitation from 5pm to 8pm with rosary at 6:00 pm at Infinity Church in San Antonio, TX.

Funeral Service for Ernest will be the next day, August 14, 2026 from 11:30am to 1:00pm. The funeral procession will follow from Infinity Church to his final place of rest, Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery at 1:45pm with full military honors.