Manuel Lira Gonzales

Manuel Lira Gonzales passed away on May 6, 2023, at the age of 86. He was born on October 21, 1936, in Corpus Christi, Texas, to Manuel T. and Brigida Gonzales. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

He is preceded in death by his parents; sister, Alma Gonzalez; grandson, Julian Gonzales; and nephew, Perry Gonzalez.

Manuel enjoyed drawing, painting, woodworking, and bird watching. He proudly served in the United States Marines. He worked as a building inspector for the City of Corpus Christi and retired after 45 years. Manuel was a long-time member and past President of Lulac Council #1. He was also a board member and past President of Lulac Village Apartments.

Left behind to cherish Manuel’s memories are his wife of forty-six years, Alicia Gonzales; children, Roland Gonzales, Michelle (Mauro) Sandoval, Marcos (Diane) Gonzales, Joe (Chellie) Soza of Neveda, Texas, Michael Ray Soza of Neveda, Texas, and John Rodney (Amy) Soza of Morton, Illinois; siblings, Arnold Gonzales Sr., Richard Gonzales and Mildred

Powell; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, friends, and extended family.

The family will receive condolences on Wednesday, May 17, 2023, from 10:00 AM to 10:30 AM, at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 5620 Gollihar Road. A Holy Rosary will be recited at 10:30 followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM. A funeral cortege will depart St. Pius X at 12:00 PM for Rite of Committal and Interment at Coastal Bend State Veterans Cemetery with full Military Honors at 1:00 PM.

Having the distinguished honor to serve as pallbearers will be Arnold Gonzales, Jr., Raul Vasquez, Jr., Tony Jimenez, Barney Cardona, Jason Havel, and Michael Alan Garcia.

A very special thank you to Dee Havel from St. Pius X. Catholic Church.