George L Gonzales

George L. Gonzales, 82, a lifelong resident of Fort Sumner, passed away at his home surrounded by family on July 15, 2026. George was born June 16, 1944, in Fort Sumner to Albert and Louisa (Lopez) Gonzales. He attended Fort Sumner Schools and graduated with the Class of 1962.

After high school, George moved to Albuquerque. He was employed by Ed BlacksChevrolet, an opportunity that sparked an interest in working on vehicles. He later returned to Fort Sumner to marry the love of his life, Ruby Sena, on November 6, 1965. They were the last couple to be married at the St. Anthony Catholic Church located in Old Town. They made Fort Sumner their forever home where they worked and raised their two children Annette and Richard.

As a young man, George and his family and friends built and raced cars—a hobby, he enjoyed. Their “drag strip” was an old runway at the Fort Sumner Airport, where he spent many happy years.

Everyone knew “George’s” full-service filling station, which served Fort Sumner for 45 years. There, your gas was pumped, air pressure on tires and oil checked and windshields washed. George always made sure your vehicle was safe for any trip. George and his sidekick, Bixby, offered full-service auto repair, hand-washed vehicles, and provided a local pickup and return when needed. George retired and closed the station on December 31, 2009, at the age of 66.

George was deeply devoted to his community. He was a member of the Jaycees, the Knights of Columbus, the Fort Sumner Bowling League, and the Fort Sumner Chamber of Commerce. He served as a council member for the Village of Fort Sumner from 1975 to 1978, DeBaca County Commissioner from 2009 to 2017, and was a member of the Eastern Plains Council of Governments and the Eastern Plains Community Action Program. George was also honored twice as Fort Sumner Businessman of the Year in 1991 and 2003.

George served in the Fort Sumner Volunteer Fire Department for 59 years with courage, sacrifice, and unwavering dedication to the people of this community. During these years he held the rank of Captain, Assistant Fire Chief and Chief. He was also one of the volunteers who were instrumental in securing the funding for the current Firestation location. After his retirement, he also was a driver for the Fort Sumner Ambulance for four years.

George was a lifelong member of the St. Anthony Catholic Church where he faithfully served as a Lector, a Eucharistic Minister, and a member of the Church Council.

He enjoyed golfing and often traveled with friends and his son to courses around the state for day and weekend outings.

George was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Albert Gonzales Jr., Fred Gonzales, and Joe Frank Gonzales; and one sister, Rosalie Geisler.

A loving husband, father, brother, grandfather, and great-grandfather, George is survived by his wife of 60 years, Ruby Gonzales of the family home in Fort Sumner; his two children, Annette (Chris) Archuleta of Rio Rancho, NM, and Richard (Angelica) Gonzales of Clovis, NM; three siblings, Mary Ann (Rito) Delgado of Roswell, Melba (Alex) Gonzales-Torres of Roswell, and Steve Gonzales of Fort Sumner; sisters-in-law Betty Gonzales of Clovis and Diana Gonzales of Lovington; brother-in-law Andy Geisler of Yukon, Oklahoma; five grandchildren, Roman Romero (Darlene) of Rio Rancho, Ariana Archuleta of Las Cruces, Jacob Archuleta (Sara) of Rio Rancho, Alycia Gonzales of Clovis, and Richard Gonzales Jr. of Clovis; two great-grandchildren, Lucas Romero and Mason Archuleta, both of Rio Rancho; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins,fellow firefighters, and friends.

Visitation will be held, Tuesday, July 21, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Chavez Funeral Home. Recitation of the Holy Rosary followed by the Funeral Mass will be held Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Fort Sumner, with Father Jacob Romero officiating. Interment with Fire Department Honors will follow at Fort Sumner Cemetery with Roman Romero, Lucas Romero, Ariana Archuleta, Jacob Archuleta, Alycia Gonzales, and Richard Gonzales serving as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers include his golfing friends Bob Addison and David Gonzales, his buddies Eddie Roybal and Tracy Martz, long-serving sidekick Harold “Bixby” Gonzales, the Fort Sumner Fire Department, and his best friend Frankie Martz.

Please keep the Gonzales family in your prayers. You may sign the online guest book, leave a note of condolence, or share a favorite memory at www.chavezfuneralhome.com.

The family requests contributions in memory of George Gonzales be made to The Medical Center League House, 7000 W. Amarillo Boulevard, Amarillo, Texas 79106.

Arrangements are under the direction of Chavez Funeral Home, 830 N. Fifth Street, Fort Sumner, New Mexico, 5753552311.