KENNETH L. GONZALES May 24, 1960 – July 9, 2017
Kenneth L. Gonzales, age 57, passed away on July 9, 2017 in El Paso, Texas.
Kenneth was born in Espanola, NM on May 24, 1960, and raised in Los Alamos, NM. He was a graduate of Los Alamos High School 1979 and entered into the Airforce after graduation.
Kenneth was a Supervisory Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Officer in El Paso at the time of his passing. Supervisor Gonzales worked at the Port of El Paso at the Ysleta Bridge and was promoted to Supervisor in April of 2015.
He served honorably with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, as well as the United States Air Force for more than 35 years. Supervisor Gonzales was recognized by CBP for his service in support/ aid to those impacted by Hurricane Katrina, and was awarded the 9/11 Hero Award in 2004.
He retired as a Master Sergeant from the Texas Air National Guard. He served several tours of duty including Desert Storm, Bahrain, Afghanistan (2), and Iran.
He received a Bachelor’s degree from the University of New Mexico while working in the Air National Guard.
Kenneth was known for his big heartedness. He and his wife, Blanca, took every opportunity to show their generosity through donations to the Lions Club in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico. They donated toys, uniforms, and school supplies to various schools in El Paso, TX.
Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents, Jack C. Gonzales and Bernadette (Nalda) Gonzales, of White Rock.
Kenneth leaves behind his four amazing sons – James, Timothy, Kenneth, and Christopher of El Paso, TX. He is survived by his wife Blanca and stepdaughter Jennifer of El Paso, TX. He also leaves behind his siblings– Judy A. Montoya (David) of AZ, Jacob M. Espinoza of TX, Clifford L. Gonzales of White Rock, NM, Barbara M. Gonzales of Los Alamos, NM; grandchildren, Jonathan and Lyla, of El Paso; nieces Cyndi Montoya, Shannon Montoya and her daughter Madison of CA; nephews James Montoya (Andi), and their children, Isabelle and Christopher of CA, and Brice Espinoza (Natalie) and their children, Jacob and Gentry of TX.
A service will be held on July 27, 2017, at the Christian Church of Los Alamos, 92 East Road., at 10:00 a.m., followed by interment at the Santa Fe National Cemetery at 12:30 pm.
Ken’s wish was to be interred with his parents.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made in Ken’s name to the Wounded Warrior Project.
https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org/