Alfred "Fred" Gonzales

Fred Gonzales, 57, of Pecos, NM unexpectedly joined his daughter Sheryl Mae in life everlasting on January 10, 2021. He was preceded in death by his daughter Sheryl Mae Gonzales, God-daughter April Fredalene Lopez, niece Desiree Gonzales, special nephew Louie Lopez, and maternal grandparents Teresita Davalos and Filemon “Trackdown” Quintana, Ralph Lopez, and Aunt Josie Quintana.

Fred was born on July 18, 1963 to his mother Mary Mabel Quintana who raised him together with Ralph Lopez. Fred grew up in Pecos, NM and to this day enjoyed cruising when younger racing through the area and mountains. He attended Pecos Schools for his entire education. While in school, he was known for his mischief and carefree ways. He enjoyed attending the concerts of all his favorite bands and graduated with the Pecos High School Class of 1982.

A year after he graduated high school, he welcomed his first born child Crystal who he affectionately referred to as “Chico” or more recently, “Warden”.  As a new father he hitchhiked to the worksite with a packed lunch often filled with his favorite, beanie weenies and potted meat, no matter the weather conditions. His strong work ethic began with the growth of his family. A jack of all trades, he worked construction for a time before driving a wrecker for Sanchez Wrecker where his obsession for trucker hats began and adoration for Wilfred “Wil” Sanchez. He often asked for your 10-20, ETA and answered with a hearty 10-4! During this time his beloved daughter Sheryl Mae was born. Losing her to cancer at the age of four took its toll. He longed for 29 years for the day to hold her in his arms again. His baby and last born Gabrielle came two years after her passing. He always expressed and showed his love and adoration for his Briella.

Fred later returned to his old stomping grounds, Pecos Independent Schools as game security and maintenance lead. Together with his co-worker brothers his shenanighins continued. His very impressive key collection began. If there was a locked door, he opened it. His day often included his own made up quotes of “according to Luke”.

We often found our father home watching his favorite TV shows, Bonanza, Gunsmoke, Mash, Walker Texas Ranger and The Tool Man drinking a few cold beers, eating sweets that included hard candies, wafer or vanilla cookies and mini chocolate donuts all while cleaning his fingernails with his favorite pocket knife. Impatiently waiting for his jerky to dry the “olden days” way, off a line of baling wire. Some of his other favorite pass times included going for wood in his younger days, listening or dancing to traditional Spanish music, cooking his famous red chile, creek and river fishing in Bullcreek while visiting his Grandfather Trackdown. He loved to walk down the road with his daughter Gabrielle to fish the Pecos River always sharing a favorite memory of when Gabrielle hooked a fish, then she threw the entire rod in the river. He jumped in after it.

Dreaming of striking it rich he often purchased “scratchers” but he quickly realized Briella had all the luck as her excitement for cashing out her winnings.

Fred was survived by his Mother Mary Mabel Quintana, siblings Dolores, Rose (Andy), Albert, Alvin, Andrew, Arcy, Theresa (Dickie), Marilyn and numerous nieces and nephews. His beloved “cornchippers” grandchildren, Antonio III, Ariela Mae, Andres, and Zane.  God children April Fredalene and Gregory Lopez, and Adrianna Griego. Numerous Aunts, Uncles, cousins and countless special friends including Jeff Lujan who he called brother and Anthony Arguello his partner in crime. EppAAA!

Due to COVID and the safety of our families and friends a memorial celebration will be held at a later date to be determined when restrictions are lifted. We ask and appreciate prayers for our Dad’s soul.

The Family of Fred Gonzales has entrusted the care of their beloved one to Avista Cremation & Burial "where healing begins".