Manuel Tim Gonzales…December 19, 1940 – June 16, 2016

Memorial services for Manuel Gonzales will be held at the First Presbyterian Church in Las Animas, Colorado at 10:00 a.m. Monday, June 27, 2016 with inurnment to follow at Fort Lyon National Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Thursday, June 23, 2016 from 1 p.m.to 5 p.m. at Horber Funeral Chapel.

Manuel Tim “Speedy” Gonzales went to be with the Lord on June 16, 2016 at Penrose Hospital in Colorado Springs. Manuel was born to Bernardo G. and Pauline (Medina) Gonzales on December 19^th, 1940 in Las Animas.

He spent his childhood in Las Animas and graduated from what was then Bent County High School. Manuel served in the Army National Guard for four years and the United States Air Force for four years. He was stationed on Guam, in Vietnam and in West Virginia.

Upon returning to Las Animas, Manuel sought employment at Fort Lyon VA Medical Center, where he worked as a nursing assistant and later in building management until his retirement in 1996. He worked part-time at the Bent County Memorial Nursing Home as a dietary aide for five years following his federal retirement.

Manuel married Patricia Shene on September 24, 1977 at their future home South of Las Animas, where they resided throughout their marriage and raised their two children.

Manuel was a member of American Legion Post #6, a life member of VFW Post #2411, and an active attendee at the First Presbyterian Church.

Manuel was a hard worker all his life, from field labor during his growing up years, through his military and federal service, to post retirement care and maintenance of his home. He loved his large family, keeping up with current events in the newspapers, cheering on the Denver Broncos and the Colorado Rockies, and lavishing his pets with constant affection. Manuel was well known for his shy, reserved, and patient manner. He always had a smile and a kind word for those he loved. He endured many struggles throughout his life and met each challenge with unshakeable strength and faith.

He is survived by his wife, Patricia (Shene) Gonzales of Las Animas; daughter, Joelene Reyna Gonzales (Arron Warren) of Las Animas; son, Jason Gonzales (Jaque Stone) of London, England; granddaughter, Madison Gonzales of Las Animas; sisters, Lupe (Tony) La Fore of Las Animas, Rosemary Besse of Lamar, Reyna Gonzales of Las Animas, and Lidia Gonzalez of Las Animas; brothers, Joe (Martha) Gonzales of Las Animas and Raymond Gonzales of Lamar; numerous nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Janie Alice Martinez; and brother, John Gonzales.

Memorial contributions may be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Las Animas, in care of Horber Funeral Chapel, P.O. Box 431, Las Animas, CO 81054.

For more information, or to leave online condolences, please visit www.horberfuneralchapel.com.