Lucio Gonzales

Lucio F. Gonzales, 98, died peacefully in his sleep at his home in Toppenish, Washington on Friday, November 15, 2019. He was born on July 6, 1921, in Osborn, Montana, the son of Bidel and Maria (Hernandez) Gonzales. Lucio graduated from Edgar High School, class of 1940. In high school, Lucio enjoyed sports and played on the state championship varsity high school basketball team. Following graduation, he proudly served his country during WWII in the US Navy as a Signalman Third Class on the USS Henry T Allen. Lucio was awarded the Asiatic Pacific Area Campaign Medal, the Philippine Liberation Medal, the American Area Campaign Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal. Lucio was honorably discharged in April of 1946. Lucio later attended and graduated from Molar Barber College in Yakima and soon after opened his own business, Louie’s Barber Shop, in Toppenish. Lucio operated this business with pride and distinction until 1996. On October 13, 1948, Lucio married Lupe Montez celebrating their 71st wedding anniversary this year. Lucio was a loyal member of the American Legion Posts 50 and 130, VFW, and Lions. He was honored for 70 years of service from the National American Legion. Lucio was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters Manuela Fabela, Alvina Gonzales, Ermila Contreras, Anna Salazar, Sylvia Cruz and Alice Cruz, his brother, Cel Gonzales, and great granddaughter Mia Mayo. Lucio is survived by his beloved wife, Lupe Gonzales, his sons David (Janice) Gonzales, Zillah; Larry Gonzales, Anchorage, Alaska, Len Gonzales, Seattle, Edward (Denise) Gonzales, Yakima, and daughter Sharon (Randall) Gonzales-Smith, Union Gap. He is also survived by grandchildren Michael (Raelyn) Gonzales; Matt (Kristel) Gonzales, Kimberly (Neil) Mayo, Steven Gonzales, Patrick Gonzales, Natalie Gonzales, Rachelle (Scott) Eicher; Lindsey Gonzales, Taylor Gonzales,
Kyle (Chantell) Cameron , and Chad Cameron, great grandchildren; Jessy, Kya, Trysten, Emmett, and Harlan Gonzales, Madison and Michael Eicher, Isabella, Giovani, and Silas Gonzales; and Luke and Jaxon Cameron as well as many other dear nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. A graveside service will be held on Friday, November 22, 2019 at 11:00 am at the City of Zillah Cemetery, 100 First Avenue, Zillah WA 98948, reception following at the Zillah Civic Center, 119 1st Ave., Zillah, WA. To leave a message for the family, please visit www.valleyhillsfh.com To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Lucio Gonzales, please visit our flower store.