Tomas Gonzalez

Tomas González, 87, passed through the Gates of Heaven on Tuesday, May 31, 2022, in Odessa, Texas.

Tomas was born on December 15, 1934, in Tepehuanes, Durango, Mexico, to Jose Antonio Gonzalez and Guadalupe Diaz Gonzalez.

He emigrated to the USA in 1953 under the Bracero Mexican Farm Labor Program and was sworn in as a U.S citizen on March 5, 1992. He worked for several ranchers before becoming a foreman for The Roy Davidson Ranch from 1963 until 2016.

He was active in his communities of San Jon and Tucumcari, New Mexico. He was a member of First Spanish Baptist Church, Tucumcari, for 51 years.  There he served as Music Minister, Interim Pastor, Deacon, and a member of various committees. Tomas worked hard to make a difference in his Hispanic Community and was a member of LULAC (League of United Latin American Citizens) for 20 years and served 3 terms as President.  Tomas was named LULAC’S Man of The Year in 1993.

Tomas’ knowledge and wisdom greatly exceeded his 5th grade education.  He was a constant student and passionately encouraged his children and grandchildren to pursue higher learning.

Tomas loved to travel and spent most of his leisure time gardening, reading, studying the Bible and watching The National Geographic or History Channel.

He was a godly husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend.  A man of true integrity that exhibited a strong work ethic. Tomas was loved and respected by those that crossed his path.

In September of 2016, Tomas and Lupe retired to Odessa, TX, to be closer to their family of four children,12 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.

Tomas leaves behind his beloved wife of 62 years, Guadalupe (Lupe) Deras González, three daughters, a son, twelve grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Sylvia González of Odessa, TX.

Angelica Gonzalez Clawson-McCollum, her husband Greg, of Franklin, TN.

Grandsons: Chris Clawson, Tomas Bradley Clawson, wife Caty, Great-Grandsons Easton Sawyer, Jack Tomas and soon to be Great-Grand-daughter Zella.

Granddaughter: Sydney Clawson Fisher, husband Trent, Great-Grandson Huck Michael.

Antonio González of Odessa, TX.

Grandsons: Andres Gonzalez wife Akui, Adrian Gonzalez, Abraham Gonzalez, Tomas Emilio Gonzalez

Granddaughter: Fernanda Reynoso

Leticia Gonzalez Reinke, her husband Brian of Odessa, TX.

Grandson: Lincoln Tomas Reinke

Granddaughters: Bianca Rendon, Brooke Rendon, Blayr Reinke

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 3:00 on Saturday, June 4, 2022, in the chapel of Sunset Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home in Odessa, TX.  The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to The Tomas Gonzalez Legacy Fund c/o First Baptist Church – Odessa, 709 N. Lee Avenue, Odessa, TX 79761.