Juan B. Gonzales

Juan B. Gonzales, 84, beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, was called to his eternal resting place on May 13, 2017. He entered this world on November 29, 1932 in Santa Fe, NM, born to David and Nasarena Gonzales. He was the second youngest of his five siblings.

Juan served in the US Navy from 1955 to 1959 during the Korean Conflict, two years of which were aboard the USS Yorktown aircraft carrier. He met and later married Clara Stanek, of Bolivar, MO., who was serving in the Army while both were stationed in Colorado Springs at the North American Air Defense Command Headquarters. When Clara first saw her sailor in his white uniform she said he was the hottest thing in the mess hall. They were married for 59 years. They resided in Santa Fe, Clearwater, SC, and Los Alamos.

Juan served as examiner on the New Mexico State Board of Cosmetology and also sat as a judge of the New Mexico Junior Miss Pageant. He and Clara owned and operated Don Juan’s Beauty Salon for 26 years in Santa Fe. He served as chairman of fundraising for the Guadalupe Parish and helped the church raise more than $250,000. Juan was known for his beautiful singing voice. He was a champion pool player who also loved bowling, telling stories, fishing and camping. One joke he liked to tell was, "What do you get when you cross a cow and a duck? Milk and Quackers." Juan always had simple, sage advice when asked. He socialized with every man and woman he met, and never knew a stranger, and he was especially charming to his many patrons at the salon.

He is survived by his wife, Clara Gonzales; three children, Deborah Gonzales, Diana Martinez (Mark), and Juan Jose Gonzales; nine grandchildren, Richard Rodriguez, Felisha Romero (Phillip), Isaac Chavez (Sarah), Isaac Martinez (Niki), Juan Gonzales (Briana), Gina Gonzales, Catherine Martinez, Joseph Gonzales, and Ruben Martinez; 15 great-grandchildren; brother, Manuel Alfonso (Mae) Gonzales and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Johnny Joseph Gonzales; and his siblings, Luis Gonzales, Mercedes Gonzales, Bertha Gonzales, and David Gonzales.

A private family graveside service will be held.

FRENCH – Westside

9300 Golf Course Rd NW

505-897-0300