Tito Gonzales

Tito Gonzales, 87 of Fort Sumner, NM passed away on Monday, May 4, 2026 at Retirement Ranch of Clovis following an illness. He was born July 20, 1938 in Fort Sumner to the home of Rumaldo and Aurora (Madrid) Gonzales. Tito attended and graduated from Fort Sumner Schools in 1956.

Tito served in the U.S. Air Force for 4 years. Following his honorable discharge he  returned to New Mexico. He worked for Denny's Cafe in Clovis, NM, Long Horn Ranch Cafe near Moriarty, NM before purchasing a cafe in Fort Sumner. He named the cafe Tito's Cafe. He operated the cafe in Fort Sumner for many years. He also operated a cafe in Vaughn, NM. Tito sold the cafe and moved to Idaho where he owned and operated a bar for several years. He returned to Fort Sumner and purchased the Coronado Motel and Cafe. He named the cafe Tito's Burritos. He has kept active until two weeks ago when he became ill. Tito worked his entire life. His pastimes were few, but he enjoyed a casino trip to Laughlin, NV or Las Vegas, NV.

Tito is preceded in death by his parents, his siblings Arturo Gonzales, Corina Casaus, and Demetrio Gonzales, three nephews Albert Gonzales, Raymond Casaus, and Carlos Gonzales II.

His survivors include numerous nieces, nephews, a host of other relatives and many friends.

A graveside service will be held at 10:00 am, Monday, May 11, 2026 at St. Anthony Cemetery, Fort Sumner, New Mexico. Pallbearers will include R.J. Casaus, Lewis Gutierrez, Timmy Gonzales, Charles Gonzales, Mike Gonzales, Tom Gonzales and Frank Salazar.

Arrangements are under the direction of Chavez Funeral Home, 830 N. Fifth Street, Fort Sumner, New Mexico. (575) 355-2311.