Jose B. Gonzalez

Jose B. Gonzalez, 91, of Topeka, with his family and friends praying at his side, passed quietly into the arms of the Lord Tuesday morning, January 16 at the Midland Hospice House.

Mr. Gonzalez was born in San Miguel El Alto, Jalisco, Mexico on June 5, 1915, the son of Amado Barba and Anastacia Gonzalez Gama.

For years his nickname was “El Carbonero”. He retired after forty years of service to the Santa Fe Railway.

He kept busy with his hobbies, repairing televisions and other video devices and playing with gadgets. Jose

Loved music, dancing, gardening, making Mexican bread and spending time with his family.

He was a very responsible and proud man, who took great pride in his United States citizenship. He had great respect toward all people.He is our loving father and his children will carry on his traditions.

He was married to Leonor Alvarez Gonzalez who preceded him in death October 1, 1963. He was then married to Aurora (Lola) Alcala who survives at the home.

He was a wonderful husband, father of nine children and three step-children. His survivors include Jose A. Gonzalez and wife Cynthia, Overland Park, Kansas; Ediberto Gonzalez, Sr. and his wife Lola, Topeka; Benjamin Gonzalez, Chicago; Julia Zuniga (husband Rudulf L. Zuniga 1948-2004); Leo Gonzalez and wife Francine, Virginia Noriega and husband Delmont, and Juanita Gonzalez, all of Topeka; Step-children Arthur Alcala and wife Rosalinda, Topeka; Daniel Alcala and wife Marilyn, Wichita and Gloria Alcala, Kansas City, Missouri.

Mr. Gonzalez was grandfather of nineteen and step-grandfather of three; great-grandfather of thirty-seven; and an uncle who will always have a special place in the hearts of the many nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death were three sisters and children Julia Gonzalez and Dolores Carmona.

Jose B. Gonzalez will lie in repose from 4:00 until 9:00 o’clock Thursday evening at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church where a parish rosary will be recited at 7:00 p.m.

Mass of Christian Burial will be concelebrated by Reverend John Cordes and Reverend Peter Jaramillo, Friday morning at 10:00 o’clock at the Church.

Following Mass, he will be laid to rest in Mount Calvary Cemetery.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Amigos of the Marlo Cuevas-Balandran Activity Center or to Midland Hospice, Inc., and sent in care of Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 West Sixth, Topeka 66603.