Leo G. Gonzales

Leo G. Gonzales, 97, of Houston, Texas, passed away on Sunday, May 11, 2014, at Parkway Place Nursing Home. Leo was born on November 15, 1916, in Salito, Mexico, to parents, Rafel Gonzales and Juanita Nieto Gonzales. He grew up in Corpus Christi where he later joined the United States Army and served on several islands throughout the Pacific Ocean. He then became a Merchant Marine where his ship retrieved the Apollo capsule when returning from a mission. After being honorably discharged, Leo started working for Douglas Aircraft Co. After they sold out to Boeing Manufacturing, he retired as an Assembly Supervisor. Leo enjoyed playing pool and traveling as often as he could. He has been to many places around the world, including China and most of Europe. In his travels he explored every state in the U.S. which included driving his Trans Am from California to New York and then a trip to Hawaii after. Leo was preceded in death by his parents, and his grandson, Brian Thompson Smith. He is survived by his DAUGHTER: Norma Smith Cox and husband, Chanler Cox of Houston; GRANDSON: Bruce Smith and wife, Kelly of Houston; GRANDDAUGHTER - IN - LAW: Glena Smith of Houston; GREAT GRANDCHILDREN: Taylor Smith, Brandon Smith, Ellis Smith and Kyle Smith. All flowers being delivered need to be sent to the Schmidt Funeral Home in Bellville, Tx.