Raymond David Gonzales Sr.

Raymond David Gonzales, lifelong resident of McCook, NE, passed away at his home in McCook on Thursday, January 31, 2019. He was 92 years old.

Born January 6, 1927 to parents James P. and Mary (Reyna) Gonzales, Ray was one of twelve children who grew up in McCook.

On May 9, 1945, Ray enlisted in the United States Army.  He proudly served his country in Germany during WW II before being honorable discharged on October 29, 1946.

Ray married Fern Lucille (Ridgeway) Gonzales on May 27, 1948 in McCook.  The family made their home in McCook where Ray owned and operated Gonzales and Sons Construction.  Following his retirement, Ray delivered newspapers for the McCook Gazette.

Ray was baptized into the Catholic faith and was a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in McCook.  He was also a member of the VFW and American Legion Post 203 and enjoyed hunting and fishing.  Ray loved driving down country roads and around McCook where he would often stop to visit with friends and family.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Fern; two sons, David and Leonard; four brothers; four sisters; two grandchildren; and one great grandchild.

Those left to celebrate his life include his three sons, Raymond, Jr. “Butch” (Mary) Gonzales of McCook, Steve (Sherry) Gonzales of McCook, Paul “Joe” Gonzales of McCook; two daughters, Cathy Ricciardo of Moapa, NV and Nadia (Mike) Schoup of McCook; two daughters in-law, Marlene Gonzales of McCook, and Penny Gonzales of Lincoln, NE; two brothers, Paul and Al Gonzales both of Omaha, NE; one sister, Angelina DeVoe of Gretna, NE; as well as seventeen grandchildren, twenty-eight great grandchildren and three great great grandchildren.