Ernest F. Gonzales

Ernest "Beaver" Gonzales, 70 of Fort Sumner passed away at his home Monday, August 24, 2020. He was born August 28, 1949 in Fort Sumner to the home of Leandro and Alberta (Sena) Gonzales. Ernest grew up in Fort Sumner and attended Fort Sumner Schools. He enlisted in the U.S. Army where he served with Battalion 2/7 1st Calvary. He was a Vietnam Veteran and was honorably discharged on March 20, 1971. His decorations and citations include the Army Commendation Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and the Vietnam Campaign Medal. Following his discharge from the Army, Ernest began working as a carpenter with Jim Sena Construction. He retired in 2016. He was a member of "Los Mosquitos" band. He enjoyed playing the guitar, loved music. According to his family he was "unselfish" always there for his family and friends. Ernest is preceded in death by his parents in Leandro and Alberta in 2004, two sisters Dolores Sanchez in 1983, Lucy Blea in 2011, and a brother Herman Gonzales in 2017. A loving father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend, he will be missed by his children, daughter Sarah Molinar (Jaime) of Kersey, CO, a son Gino Gonzales (Isha) of Fort Sumner. His siblings, a sister Erma Rodriguez (Vincent) of Fort Sumner, four brothers Jerry Joe Gonzales, Willie Gonzales (Rosalie), Harold "Bixby" Gonzales all of Fort Sumner and Tony Lucero (Anna) of Clovis. Also surviving are six grandchildren Jeremiah Molinar, Jacob Molinar, Julianne Moyer, Daisy Lucero, Benjamin Lucero, and Lusion Lucero along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and many dear friends. Visitation hours for friends and family will be held from 2pm to 6pm on Wednesday, August 26, 2020 in the Chavez Funeral Home Chapel, 830 N. Fifth Street, Fort Sumner, New Mexico. A graveside service was held at 10:00 am Friday, August 28, 2020 St. Anthony Cemetery in Fort Sumner, NM with Father Sotero Sena officiating. Interment of cremains with Military Honors followed. Honorary bearers will include Manuel Lucero, Lawrence Sanchez, Carlos Lopez, Lewis "Potts" Gutierrez, Jeremiah Molinar, Jacob Molinar, Jaime Molinar, Derek Blea, Gene Sena, Herman Gonzales Jr., and Michael Sena. Please keep Ernest and his family in your prayers. You may leave a tribute, share a favorite memory, or sign our online guest book at www.chavezfuneralhome.com Arrangements are under the direction of Chavez Funeral Home, 830 N. Fifth Street, Fort Sumner, New Mexico. (575) 355-2311.