Eufracio (Ernest) Gonzales, 76, passed away peacefully into God’s grace on the morning of April 3, 2024. Ernest was born on May 5, 1947, in Socorro. He was a proud husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. He is proceeded in death by his parents Jose Gonzales and Gina (Gallegos) Gonzales, his son Patrick L. Gonzales, his brothers Morris Gonzales and Floyd Gonzales, and his sister Rachel Sedillo. He is survived by his loving wife Dorothy M. (Vallejos) Gonzales (married September 17, 1966), daughter Stefanie A. Gonzales, and daughter-in-law Bobbi Gonzales; his grandchildren Chance Towner and wife Kyle Towner, Ashley Green and husband James Green, Justin Gonzales and wife Krista Gonzales, and Charli Gonzales and wife Sarah Gonzales; great grandchildren Talon Towner, Cody Towner, Madison Green, Maverick Green, Peyton Gonzales, and Maisyn Gonzales; his brothers Juan Gonzales, Connie Gonzales, Tommy Gonzales, and Raymond Gonzales.

Ernest, lovingly known as Uncle Ernie, was best known in his community as a hardworking man who took on many roles. One of those roles was serving 6 years in the Army National Guard. After serving in this capacity, he came back to many different jobs one of them to run his own Phillips 66 gas station and his own convenience store, Uncle Ernie’s Market. A lot of people remember Uncle Ernie as the athletic bus driver through Socorro Consolidated Schools. He loved connecting with his community and getting to know the people around him. He kept chickens to sell eggs to locals and roasted green chile seasonally. He enjoyed being outside tending to his animals and plants. When he wasn’t interacting with the community, he could be found watching golf at home, playing pool at the senior center, or having coffee with his friends and family.

Ernest was a kind man who would give the shirt off of his back to help others and was fiercely protective over his loved ones. He was constantly making friends with strangers wherever he found himself, whether that be at the grocery store, doctors office, or just out and about in town. He made his family his top priority and would constantly check in on his brothers and extended family. There was rarely ever a moment when he wasn’t taking a phone call from someone and trying to catch up. He truly loved interacting with as many people as he could throughout his life. Ernest will alway be remembered fondly by all those who came into contact with him, and his family and friends will forever hold the most loving memories of him in their hearts.

El Defensor Chieftain