Leroy Gonzales

Leroy A. Gonzales resident of Rawlins, Wyoming, passed away on February 26, 2021 at his home at the age of 73 years.

Leroy was born October 3, 1947 to Jose Manuel Gonzales and Emma Romero Gonzales in Mora, New Mexico.

Joined USMC March 1965, when he was just 17 years old.  He was stationed at Camp Pendleton in Oceanside, California.  He did two tours in Vietnam serving as a combat soldier on the frontlines.  As stated by his commanding officers, his enthusiasm for any task and ability to think clearly in difficult conditions made him an asset to any unit.  He is always willing to exert an extra effort and this attitude affects those in his platoon.  His strong points include possessing superior knowledge of his rank, has excellent instructional ability, and a cheerful attitude.

Some of his interests and hobbies included fishing, hunting, barbecuing, spoiling his grandbabies, and gambling.  He loved animals and took special care to be gently and kind with every living thing.

He married Carmen Isabel Montanoi in October, 1966, for 18 years and later divorced.

He will be sadly missed by his children Joseph Robert Gonzales of San Antonio, Texas, Brenda (Riley) Smart of Rawlins, Jessica Marie Gonzales (Ray Lopez) of Cheyenne; sibling’s Patrick (Gloria) Gonzales of Rock Springs, Beverly Cruz (late Gilbert) of Rawlins, Victoria Gonzales of Cheyenne, Manuel (Melissa) Gonzales of Rawlins, ten Grandchildren; Andrea Monique Hurtado, Robert John Hurtado, Jr., McKenna Riley Shea Smart, Alexis Carolann Haffner  (Eli), Joseph Robert Gonzales, Jr., Nicolette Alissa Gonzales, Isabella Linda Gonzales, Marco Hector Gonzales, Dallas Thomas John Gonzales, Dayton Joseph Jimenez; eight Great-grandchildren Ellie, Eddie & Emmie Haffner, Milan & Vienna Machado, Zayden & Aubree Hurtado, Leo Jimenez; and best friends Cissy Pearson, Eloisa Gallegos, Kenny Fulkerson and the late Charlie Montoya.

He was preceded in death by his parents Manuel & Emma Gonzales, sister Marie Kluver, nieces Jennifer Gonzales & Lisa Gifford, and brother-in-law Gilbert Cruz.