Joe Gonzalez, Jr.

Joe Gonzalez, Jr. Joe Gonzalez, Jr., 74, of Hemphill, passed away on Friday, November 29, 2013 at his residence at the Lake. He was born on August 25, 1939 in Port Arthur, Texas to Joe Gonzalez, Sr. and Carlota Riojas. He was a 1957 graduate of Thomas Jefferson High School. One of his fondest memories is serving as student manager for the 1957 Thomas Jefferson State Basketball Champions. He began his career as a barber at the Town Barber Shop in Downtown Port Neches for 15 years. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus #2461 in Port Neches, Texas where he was Past Grand Knight in 1963. He had several jobs in Safety and Security at various refineries, including Arco, Lubrizol, and finally retiring from Gulf Refinery. He then retired to Toledo Bend Lake where he enjoyed crappie fishing, watching westerns, trips to the casino, working in his yard, but most of all he loved teaching his children and grandchildren new skills he'd learned throughout his life to complete various "projects". Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, December 3, 2013 at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church in Port Neches with Reverend Monsignor Bennie Patillo officiating. Burial will follow in Oak Bluff Memorial Park. A visitation for family and friends will be Monday evening from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Levingston Funeral Home in Port Neches with a rosary service to begin at 6:00 p.m. Joe is survived by his children, sons, Mark Gonzalez of Hemphill and Robert (Bobby) Gonzalez of Groves, daughters, Lisa Davis and husband, Gary of Groves and Laurie Gonzalez Dawsey and husband, Leain of Elton, LA., grandchildren, Danny, Jared, and Ashley Gonzalez of Maumelle, AR., Cody Davis and wife, Andrea of Lumberton, Josh Davis of Lumberton, and great granddaughters, Gabriella Gonzalez of Maumelle and Emma Davis of Lumberton. He is also survived by his sister, Gracie Gonzales of Nederland and brother-in-laws, David N. Champagne and wife, Myrna of Groves and Alex Benoit of Nederland, along with numerous nieces and nephews. Joe was preceded in death by his parents, his wife of 40 years, Alice, sister, Helen Benoit, and grandson, Eric Gonzalez. The family would especially like to thank Melissa and Tammy with River City Hospice for their excellent care and compassion.