Eugene Gonzalez

Life’s Journey

Eugene Gonzalez

To plant a seed in one’s heart…to root it in love…

To nourish it with time spent together…

Yields a blossom that will flourish forever.

Eugene Gonzalez was born on June 19, 1961, in San Antonio, Texas to his mother, Mary Gonzalez.  He was the third child born in the family.  He was raised surrounded by his brother, Johnny and his sisters, Sylvia, and Rose Marie.  As a child, he loved playing with toy soldiers. This would invariably lay the foundation for his later pursuit in the military.  Eugene loved his mom and the time spent with family and friends.  When he was young, he was one who didn’t have a fondness for the dark, whether indoors or outside.

Eugene received his early education by graduating from Lanier High School. He furthered his education by earning a master’s degree from Regents University in Denver, Colorado. On November 17, 1982, Eugene enlisted in the United States Marine Corp.  While serving his country, he was stationed in Seoul, Korea, Okinawa, Pennsylvania, Colorado, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, and Camp Pendleton, California.  He earned many awards, citations, and medals, to include an NMCCM ribbon, the NMCAM w/gold star, MCGCM w/silver star, NDSM w/bronze star, an SSDR w/2 silver stars, NUC w/bronze star, a Rifle Marksman Badge, and a Pistol Sharpshooter Badge just to name a few.  He served his country with honor and distinction and was honorably discharged at the rank of Gunnery Sergeant (E7) after serving 21 years of dedicated service. He was truly a proud Marine Corp Veteran.

On January 27, 1987, Eugene married Oki Mun. To this union, two sons, Joshua and Jacob were born.  He was a loving and devoted husband and father, who took great pride in the care and nurture of his family. 

A man of faith and belief in the Lord, Eugene was a member of Ray of Hope Ministries. He joined the church under the pastoral leadership of the Pastor Eric Cook on October 8, 2011. He served his church and the Lord as a member of the Usher Board. His wife was a true prayer warrior and fervently prayed for 25 years for Eugene’s salvation.  They also believed that God would heal Eugene of cancer. Being surrounded by such strong prayer warriors, he was able to live an additional 12 years. To God Be the Glory!!!

Eugene was a fun-loving man, who enjoyed life and those he encircled.  In his free time, he enjoyed working out, driving his truck, running marathons, and spending quality time with family and friends.  He will be missed by all who were fortunate enough to have known this kind and wonderful man. To know Eugene was to love him. 

Eugene Gonzalez departed this life to the embrace of the Lord on July 11, 2023, in Denver, Colorado.  Those left to cherish his memory and mourn his loss include his loving and devoted wife, Oki Gonzalez; 2 sons, Joshua L. Gonzalez, and Jacob J. Gonzalez all of Aurora, Colorado.  1 brother, Johnny Ray (Debora) Gloria of Fayetteville, North Carolina; 2 sisters, Rose Marie (Larry) Gonzales and Sylvia Ramirez of San Antonio, Texas; and a host of nieces, nephews, uncles, cousins, other relatives, and many friends.