H.R. No. 840
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The residents of Del Rio lost an admired public
servant and community leader with the passing of the Honorable
Joseph Michael Gonzalez, justice of the peace of Precinct 2, on
August 16, 2013, at the age of 67; and
WHEREAS, Born on October 29, 1945, in Centerline, Michigan,
Joey Gonzalez was the son of Amalia Gonzalez Forehand, his birth
mother, and County Judge Sergio Gonzalez Jr. and Ninfa R. Gonzalez;
he graduated from Mount Sacred Heart Military Academy in San
Antonio and went on to attend St. Anthony's Seminary School; and
WHEREAS, Judge Gonzalez spent most of his professional life
as a railroad conductor, first for Southern Pacific and later for
Union Pacific, and he retired after 34 years of service; in 2002, he
purchased Meme's Kleen Kitchen restaurant, a local favorite for
more than 50 years, and made it his goal to ensure that every
customer who entered the family-run business left with a smile; and
WHEREAS, For a decade, this esteemed gentleman further
distinguished himself as the justice of the peace of Precinct 2, and
he was also involved with many civic organizations, underscoring
his commitment to the community; he helped coordinate Career
Awareness Day for the public schools and Sacred Heart Catholic
School, and he volunteered with the area MLK march, the youth
football and cheer teams, and local veterans; additionally, he was
the first Mexican American union president for Union Pacific, and
he was active with the Knights of Columbus, among other groups; and
WHEREAS, In all his endeavors, Judge Gonzalez enjoyed the
love and support of his wife of 45 years, Martha; he delighted in
spending time with his children and grandchildren, and he was a
valued, lifelong member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church; and
WHEREAS, Deeply devoted to his family and his community,
Joseph Michael Gonzalez made a meaningful difference in the lives
of his loved ones and fellow citizens alike, and he will be fondly
remembered for years to come; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 84th Texas
Legislature hereby pay tribute to the memory of the Honorable
Joseph Michael Gonzalez and extend heartfelt sympathy to the
members of his family: to his wife, Martha Ziegler Gonzalez; to his
biological mother, Amalia Gonzalez Forehand; to his children,
Carolina Gonzalez Ortiz, Jose Sergio Gonzalez, Azalea Gonzalez,
Sebastian Seth Gonzalez, Sandra Moncada, Joey Gonzalez, and Maria
Cecilia Gonzalez; to his grandchildren, Mia Lizette, Zoey Olivia,
and Eliseo Adan Ortiz, and Joey and Riley Gonzalez; to his sisters,
Jennie Owens and Rosie Phillips; to his brother, Oscar Gonzalez;
and to his other relatives and friends; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for his family and that when the Texas House of
Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Joseph
Michael Gonzalez.
Nevárez
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 840 was unanimously adopted by a
rising vote of the House on March 12, 2015.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House