Thomas "Tom" Gerald Gonzales Jr.

Thomas “Tom” Gerald Gonzales, Jr. Tom Gonzales, age 86, went to be with the Lord on July 21, 2021 in Lakewood, Colorado due tocomplications after an injury. He was born on April 3rd, 1935 in Evanston, Illinois. He was preceded in death by his parents Sena Louise Gonzales (Brady) and Thomas Gerald Gonzales Sr.,his sister, Loretta “Zetta” Ellis (Gonzales) and his first wife Arleen Gonzales (Forgette). Also several cousins, Aunts and Uncles, most especially Milton "Pete" Brady who was more like a brother.He is survived by his wife, Cyndi; two daughters, Debbie and Tammy; son-in-law Kurt and 5 grandchildren: Joshua, Mark, Jonathan, Samantha, and Natalie. He graduated from Watseka Community High School, worked for Kankakee State Hospital, and went on to receive a Registered Nursing degree from Mount Sinai Hospital in Chicago, Illinois. He joined the Navy as an officer where he worked as a psychiatric nurse at an Evac Hospital on Guam. He returned to live in Watseka, Illinois and worked at Kankakee State Hospital, again, until he moved to Vermont for a few years. There he developed a love for cross-county skiing, hiking, biking, and camping. He moved back to Watseka and worked at R.P Roberts Friendship Home where he eventually would meet Cyndi. They would marry in 1996 and move to Colorado to be near Tom's daughters and families. He worked at Colorado Mental Health at Fort Logan, retiring there in 2005. He would then work for Argus, a security agency that employed people to work NBA, NFL, and MLB games and concerts in various venues and local college activities. He called it his dream retirement job, and ended his work career in 2008. Throughout his life he enjoyed playing the guitar and singing, biking, hiking, fishing, camping, metal detecting, and cross-country skiing. He developed a love for Western novels and favored those authored by William Johnstone. He would later use his musical talents and perform for shut-ins along with Cyndi. He would sing and play his guitar several times a day in the last year, and looked forward to having company so he could sing for them. His main repertoire was centered on Jesus. He is remembered for his infectious laugh and humorous stories and crazy impromptu dance steps. Also, how he reached out to and interacted with children in various settings. All throughout his adult careers he was highly favored and greatly respected. He will be deeply missed. Military Services will be held at Fort Logan National Cemetery on Thursday August 19th at 10:00 am, at staging area "A".