Ernesto Sanchez Gonzales

Ernesto S. Gonzales went to be with the Lord, June 23, 2018, at the age of 68.

Memorial services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, June 30, 2018 at Templo Nazarete, 2617 Cornell, Lubbock, TX 79415. Arrangements are by Schooler Funeral Home, 4100 S. Georgia St.

Ernest was born to Uldarica and  Eutimio Gonzales on July 19, 1949, in Lubbock, Texas.  He graduated from Lubbock High School, and then enlisted in the US Air Force, served in the Air Force from 1971 to 1976, and served in the Air Force Security Police while in Vietnam.

Following his military service he became a very artistic hair designer and owned and operated his salon in Lubbock until 1994 when he moved to Colorado.  He resided in Colorado Springs for ten years then headed north to live in Broomfield, CO for another five years. He enjoyed the mountain fresh air until 2009 when he then headed south to Amarillo, Texas where he retired with full benefits from the military.

He was a people person, never met a stranger and enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren.  He loved to play golf, which he took up at the urging of his wife, Karen, and they played golf all over the front range and into the mountains of Colorado and south into New Mexico.  Golf became his passion while living in Colorado but heading south to Amarillo brought him closer to his very beloved grandchildren. He will be greatly missed.

Ernest was preceded in death by his mother (Ulda) and his sister Elodia (Laly) Melendrez.

He is survived by his wife, Karen Ward of Amarillo, TX; daughters, April Benavidez of Lubbock, TX, Angela Long, and husband Luke of Lubbock, TX; two step sons, William Ward of Amarillo, TX,  and Heath Ward of Dodge City, KS; grandchildren, Evan, Emma & Elly Long, Clayton, and Carson Ward; his father, Eutimio Gonzales and step mother Ella of Lubbock, TX; brothers, Eutimio Gonzales, Jr. and wife Gloria, of Lubbock, TX, Sylvester Gonzales and wife Felicia of Colorado, Edward Gonzales and wife Carol of Dallas, TX, Sammy Gonzales and wife Janie of Lubbock, TX, Abel Gonzales of Dallas, TX, Joel Gonzales and wife Brenda of Lubbock, TX, Carlos Gonzales and wife Billie of Lubbock, TX, Hector Gonzales and wife Minerva of Lubbock, TX; and Johnny Gonzales and wife Marina of Pharr, TX; one very beloved sister, Betty and husband Pete of Highlands Ranch, Co; as well as many loved, extended family members and friends.