Cruz Gonzales, 65, of De Leon, passed away Saturday, January 10, 2015, in Abilene. He was born February 23, 1949, in San Antonio, Texas, to Luis and Petra Perales Gonzales.

Cruz lived in the De Leon area most of his life. He was a longtime watermelon broker for De Leon farmers. He was also a long-haul truck driver and enjoyed traveling around the United States. He would often say there was nothing more beautiful than God's country. He enjoyed cooking hot sauce and making tacos for people around town. He was a great neighbor who would often be seen throughout the community on his scooter. He liked to fish, grow watermelons and spend time in his garden. He was a character who loved joking around and debating with his friends and family. There was nothing he loved more than his grandbabies. He will be dearly missed by many.

He is survived by his son, Gary Gonzales and Monica Almaguer; daughter, Barbara Saldivar and husband, Aaron Saldivar; grandchildren, Brianna Gonzales, Tyler Salinas, Marissa Torres, Maya Saldivar, Mila Saldivar, Jonas Saldivar, Tori Gonzales and Austin Gonzales; mother of his children, Nita Gonzales; brothers, Ricky Gonzales, Everto Gonzales and Ernest Gonzales; sisters, Virginia Gonzales and Christina Gonzalez; numerous nieces and nephews; and other extended family.

Cruz was preceded in death by his parents, Luis and Petra Perales Gonzales; brothers, Lupe Gonzales and Louie Gonzales; and step mother, Catalina Gonzales.

Graveside funeral services were held Tuesday, January 13, 2015, at 2:00 p.m. in De Leon Cemetery with Brother Kenneth Wilson officiating.

If desired, memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association at 10900-B Stonelake Blvd., Suite 320, Austin, Texas 78759, in memory of Cruz.