ZAPATA, TEXAS---Alfredo Gonzalez 72, passed away on Wednesday, January 2, 2019.

Mr. Gonzalez is preceded in death by his parents, Roque and Hortencia Gonzalez; sister, Raquel (Francisco†) Garcia; nephew, Francisco Garcia, Jr.; mother-in-law, Eloisa C. Martinez and six brothers-in-law.

Mr. Gonzalez is survived by his wife of 39 years, Mercedes M. Gonzalez; children, Melissa Ann Gonzalez; Alfredo Gonzalez, Jr., Angela (Esequiel) Rodriguez, Juan A. Gonzalez, Marcos G. (Crystal) Gonzalez; He also leaves behind five grandchildren, Alfredo M. Gonzalez, Julissa Becerra, Kailey Rodriguez, Derick G. Gonzalez, Dominick M. Gonzalez; step-granddaughter, Rebecca L. Salazar and three great-grandchildren, Jaiden, Adrian and Ava Hines; brother, Roque (Josefina) Gonzalez; brothers-in-law, Carlos S. (Maria Elena) Martinez and Gilberto (Joyce) Martinez and by numerous nephews, nieces and other family members and friends.

Alfredo served in the United States Army from September 9, 1964 thru September 8, 1967. He was assigned to Bravo Company of the 502 ^nd 101 Airborne Division. He attended and completed Airborne school and received his Jump Wings. He was a decorated Vietnam Veteran receiving the Parachutist Badge, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal with Device, two Overseas Bars and 2d Class Flame Thrower.

Pallbearers will be, Derick G. Gonzalez, Dominick M. Gonzalez, Juan A. Gonzalez, Marcos Gonzalez, Esequiel Rodriguez, Ricardo Garcia, Javier Gonzalez, Leonel Villarreal, Manuel Cuellar and Robert Vaughn.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Roberto Garcia, Rene Garcia, Mario Martinez, Eduardo Trevino, Gilberto Martinez, Jr., Carlos S. Martinez, Jr., Michael Bonoan, Juan Gonzalez from Laredo, Sergio Montalvo and Carlos Reyna, Jr.

Visitation hours will be held on Friday, January 11, 2019, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. with a vigil at 7 p.m. at Rose Garden Funeral Home.

The funeral procession will depart on Saturday, January 12, 2019 at 9:45 a.m. for a 10 a.m. funeral Mass at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church.

Committal services will follow at Zapata County Cemetery with full Military Honors.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Rose Garden Funeral Home Daniel A. Gonzalez, Funeral Director, 2102 N. US HWY 83 Zapata, Texas.