Frank Louis Gonzales Jr.

FRANK LOUIS GONZALES JR. Funeral Mass for longtime Cortez resident Frank Louis Gonzales Jr. will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday, January 9 at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church. Interment will follow at Cortez Cemetery. A Rosary service will take place on Sunday evening at 6 p.m. at the church. Frank was born March 26, 1939 in Raton, N.M., the son of Frank Bruno Gonzales Sr. and Molly (Garcia) Gonzales. He passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 4, 2017 at his residence at the age of 77. In 1960, Frank married Mary Sisneros in Raton, N.M. He worked many years as a coal miner in New Mexico, as an employee with the City of Raton and in the Natural Gas Industry. However, in the early 1980's he found his true passion; providing quality food and outstanding customer service in the fast food service industry. Frank owned two Sonic Drive In franchises; one in Cortez and the other in Grand Junction, Colo. He absolutely loved his customers and prided himself on providing a quality product at a fair price. Frank was a member of the Knights of Columbus. He was an avid bowler and enjoyed his time on the bowling lanes. In his free time, he liked to watch all kinds of sports, in particular his beloved Los Angeles Rams, Lakers and Dodgers. Frank particularly loved his visits with the "girls" at Vectra Bank. Frank's family and business ventures brought him much joy and happiness. His children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchild were his world; his love and family leadership will be greatly missed. Surviving Frank are his wife Mary Gonzales of Cortez; his children, Betty Gonzales Archuleta (Edward) of Huntsville, Tex., Richard Gonzales (June) of Grand Junction, Colo., Franky "Pepsi" Gonzales (Tammy) of Cortez and Michael Gonzales (April) of Alamosa, Colo.; 17 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild; his siblings, Evelyn Gonzales of Raton, N.M. and Tom Gonzales of Raton, N.M.; and by several nieces and nephews. Frank was preceded in death by his parents; and by his step-brother, Ben Garcia.