Lorenzo (Papaw) Gonzales was born March 4, 1921, in San Antonio to the late Donato and Maria Lopez Gonzales. He departed this life on January 11, 2013, as he would say it, “pushing 92!” He married Olivia (NeNe) Campbell on September 3, 1943, and was married for 61 years before her passing. His employment included the construction superintendent for Cowdin Construction, owner of L. Gonzales Millwork, and owner of Gonzales Cabinet/Furniture Company.
Papaw was honored to receive his World War II medals from Congressman Ron Paul, even if he did have to wait 60 years to receive them. He was a highly decorated soldier, earning four bronze stars and other special awards while serving in the Pacific Theatre in the U.S. Army.
Papaw is survived by sons, Joe, Frances, John, Jerry, Kenny, and Danny, and daughters, Linda and Joane. His surviving brothers are Frank, Oscar, Donny, and Johnny and sisters are Emma and Rose Mary. He was Papaw to 15 grandchildren, 32 great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren.
Proceeding Papaw in death were NeNe, his parents, and brothers, Angel, Ramon, and an infant brother, Oscar.
BUT, look around the Chapel and see Papaw’s fingerprints everywhere! He built the communion table, the P.A. system’s cabinets, the trellis dividers, refurbished the serving counter, and built the bathroom vanities and the cabinetry in the Youth Room.
His shop that he thoroughly enjoyed, was nothing but a rundown shed area that was designed to store lumber when this property was the Intercoastal Lumber Company. He transformed that area into a wood working shop that provided him with the space to construct all the large projects and the smaller ones, like the highly-prize “church birdhouses”, the picture frames, and, of course, the crosses. He was especially fond of the crosses he made out of logs that we brought from the farm. Even though the mesquite wood is extremely hard and very difficult to work, he loved the finished product so much that he was always looking for that right log when we went to the farm.
Go to the Retreat Center and see his special touches from the doors, the cabinets, and realize that he helped to design and construct the entire building. In the two apartment areas, his expertise is evident to those who can appreciate quality building and special touches.
Go to the parsonage and see all the “marks” that make his living quarters hard to disguise so they can be used for other purposes. Across one wall of his bedroom is an office area that he designed and constructed. In his bathroom are extra amenities that make it special and unique. In the guest room, he placed shelving and cabinets that add class to the area and makes it “warm and fuzzy”!
We go to the farm and see his love-deeds everywhere we look because what Papaw loved, he made something special for the space he had. On the front porch is a sign that he made that reads, “L.G.Ranch”. I believe he was later convicted of taking ownership of our farm, so he begin telling everyone that the sign meant the name of the place was “Love God Ranch”! We have double and single bunk beds hand-constructed with that love. He was so proud, and rightfully so, of the ceiling work in the cabin. I shall never forget the day when he was only 87 years old and said to me, “Erny, I have one more house in me!” We built it, together!
There are many houses in this area that have special features that Papaw built. Tucker and Kim have a one-of-a-kind pantry door designed, built, and installed by Papaw. Doc and Mabel have special touches that were inspired and built by Papaw.
I was persistent in trying to get Papaw to write a will, to little avail. But, about 3:00 a.m. on December 21, in his room at Citizen’s Hospital, Papaw asked me if I was awake. I told him I was, and he asked me if I had a paper and pen – he wanted to dictate something to me. I told him I had a pen and would use a napkin for paper and he began, “I, Lorenzo Gonzales, do make this my will…” that last life, after giving his property to all his children, and saying, “I wish I had more to give, but be blessed with this,” is the most special. His words were, “My greatest request is that you love the Lord and each other as I love you.” Then he told me he was ready to sign it, and he signed it L. Gonzales.
He told many people that he was “Papaw” to everyone in Port O’Connor. He loved this community. He loved going to the restaurants and them immediately knowing that he wanted pink lemonade. (Joane and I want to know if we now get the same “discounts” that Papaw received.) He loved for people to admire the quality of his workmanship and when they asked for something special to be built for them. He loved coming to the Chapel and had his special place where he always sat. I loved the confidence he showed in my preaching abilities these last few years – I was never far into the message when he would go to sleep – and I am honored that not too many are following his example!
It would be an extreme understatement to say that we miss Papaw! Many people were amazed at all the dignitaries that attended Papaw’s funeral service, but not Joane nor I, because we know the impact his life has made on so many people! And, in the words of an old song, “Heaven’s sounding sweeter all the time…”
