Manuel E. Gonzalez Jr.

Manuel E. Gonzalez Jr., a proud father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully on August 15, 2024, at the age of 81.  As a US Air Force Vietnam Veteran, he served his country as a reconnaissance photographer in Vietnam and worked at Corpus Christi Army Depot. Following his retirement from his service, he held many other positions.  He mainly worked as a self-employed professional photographer, which included filming weddings, taking portraits, and editing photos, to managing the holiday stations at Padre Staples Mall taking the photos with Santa and Easter Bunny, becoming known as “Mister Santa”.

In addition, he also worked with student affairs at Corpus Christi ISD and HUD. Manuel was most proud of the active work and volunteer associations with all the Veterans organizations; he served as Commander of Disabled American Veterans Chapter 150 from 2000 – 2005, Jr. / Sr. Vice positions of VFW Post 2397 which included leading the Honor Guard services for his fellow veterans at their memorial services.

Manuel is survived by his four children, Manuel Eduardo (Ed) Gonzalez (Laura), and Michael Paul Gonzalez  (Christie), Graciela Angelica Ochoa (Dennis), and Nichole Celina Gonzalez-White (Bradley); along with nine grandchildren, Manuel “Eddie” Gonzalez, Denise Gonzalez, Evan Gonzalez, Melanie Gonzalez, Nathan Gonzalez, Lauren Gonzalez, Dominic Ochoa, Nicholas Ochoa, and Maya Ochoa; four great grandchildren; and former spouse and mother of the four children, Mary Ellen Godines Gonzalez. His siblings include his brother, Robert, and his sisters, Rosie, Linda, Sally, and Rachel.  He is preceded in death by his brother, Richard, and their parents, Mary Escamilla and Manuel Ortiz Gonzalez.  He also leaves behind his beloved dog, Spirit, a bright light in his life.

Manuel’s final message reads, “A big salute to all Veterans and the Chief Commander, Our Lord in Heaven, will be at his side. God Bless to ALL.”

Manuel’s family will receive condolences on Monday, August 26, 2024, from 5:00 PM until 9:00 PM, at Treviño Funeral Home, 3006 Niagara St. @ Port Ave.; with a Holy Rosary & Liturgy of the Word to begin at 7:00 PM. A Chapel Service will be held on Tuesday, August 27, 2024, at 9:30 AM, at Treviño Funeral Home followed by Rite of Committal and Interment with full military honors at Coastal Bend State Veteran Cemetery at 11:00 AM.

To leave your condolences for the family of Manuel E. Gonzalez Jr., share your memories, or visit his tribute wall, please go to www.trevinofuneralhome.net.