GONZALES, Edgar Charles

The White Mountain Independent, Show Low, Arizona - 01/09/2004 Edgar Charles Gonzales, 75, died Jan. 2, 2004 in Holbrook. He was born in McNary April 10, 1928, to Antonio and Sarah Gonzales, an old Northern Arizona family that had been here since the 1850s. He was raised in Holbrook until 1945, and thereafter joined the Army, serving in the Germany, Korea and Vietnam wars. During his service he became a Master Sergeant, a rank that he truly loved. His education was extensive: US Army Recruiter Course, Career Counselor Course, Military Investigators School, US Army Language School and US Army Intelligence School - Prisoner of War Interrogation. During these years, he met and fell in love with Ruth Marie Hansen, and they were married in 1949. From this union they had seven children together, Judy, Ingrid, and Cindy, and sons: Ed, Kurt, Bruce, and Justin. After Vietnam, he retired and moved to Holbrook with Ruth and Justin. Edgar served as a loyal member of the Elk's Lodge No. 2450 and also a loyal member of the American Legion Post No. 37. Edgar's favorite pastimes were playing his guitar and singing songs with his family and friends. He will be truly missed; he was a good soldier, father and friend. Edgar was preceded in death by his wife Ruth Marie, four months ago. Edgar and Ruth leave behind, to cherish their memory, their seven children, nine grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. Edgar is survived by his sisters, Jane, Nell, Mary and Lucy; his brothers, Rupert, Pete and Ray; as well as numerous loving cousins, nieces, nephews, and countless friends. Memorial services will be held Saturday, Jan. 10 at noon at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Holbrook. Owens Mortuary of Holbrook handled the arrangements.