Robert (Bob) D. Gonzales

Bob was born in Denver Colorado. He was the fourth of five children born to his parents Albert and Charlotte (Munis) Gonzales. His siblings; Isabelle, Richard and Dolores enjoyed their little brother Bobby and shortly after Frank was born, two years later. The family resided at 2655 Stout throughout their childhood.

Bob attended Denver public schools, Whittier Elementary, Cole Jr. High and graduated from Manuel High School in 1953. Bob and Betty attended Manuel High together he was a senior when Betty was a sophomore. Bob and Betty were in Mr. Ford’s art class together. Bob was Mr. Ford’s assistant.

Bob was drafted into the US Army before his High School Graduation in 1953. He served his country in Alaska spotting Russian aircraft at an outpost outside of Seward, Alaska. He spoke about the Northern Lights, dog sledding, and the giant vegetables that grew during the summer months. He was amazed the cabbage grew to be about 3 times bigger there because of the long hours of sunlight. In the summer months there are only about 2 hours of darkness. After his service in 1955, when Bob returned home his mother made him take a graduation picture in his cap and gown so she could have one of each of her children’s graduation.

Although they didn’t make a love connection in Mr. Ford’s art class, Bob and Betty met again at a B-B-Q at a friend’s house and sparks flew. They started dating and were married on February 12^th 1956. Bob died 2 month’s and 10 days short of their 70^th wedding anniversary.

After leaving the Army, Bob attended Emily Griffith Opportunity School taking classes as an Air Traffic Controller but ultimately he decided Air Traffic Control was not for him. He worked for a short time with the Goodwill picking up donated items, drove a delivery truck for Western Paper, and finally found the work he wanted to make his career. He started working for Paradise Decorating Co. as a sign painter and a display builder. They decorated the 16^th Street for Christmas and many of the strip malls around Denver.

After working for Paradise, Bob worked for the City and County of Denver, first in their sign shop until he took the test to become a building inspector. He retired from the City and County in 1996 after 27 years. In addition to his full time job with the city, Bob held the sign contract with Freeman Decorating Company for 17 years, painting all of the signs and banners for the local events like the Boat, Sport and Travel show.

When not working, Bob enjoyed camping with his family, fishing, boating and playing golf. One year he won the trophy in the Building Dept. City of Denver Golf tournament. But most of all, Bob loved his antique cars. He had a 1931 Ford Coupe that he painted, sand-blasted the windows with an ivy design and painted the fenders and doors with a lace design. He won 29 trophies the summer he traveled to car shows in Wyoming, Nebraska, Kansas, Montana and the Denver. He bought a 1932 Ford Sedan Concept car from Kerr Ford in Denver, and a 1969 Ford Mustang he bought from his sister Dolores.  He still has the 1932 Ford and the Mustang. They were his pride and joy and he enjoyed taking them out and showing them right up until his last days.

Bob was an excellent provider, loving husband, father and grandpa, loyal son and brother and great friend to all who knew him.

Bob is survived by his wife Betty, children; Mark and Robert Gonzales and Sandra (Don) Eyre, 7 grandchildren; Heather Winters, Robert Jay Olson, Maxwell Eyre, Stephen Eyre, Charlotte Eyre, Erica Fisher and Luke Fisher, and 4 great grandchildren, Blake, Tucker, Hank and Frankie Winters.

Services:

St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church
2771 Zenobia Street
Denver, CO
Saturday 12/13/2025
Rosary 11:00am
Funeral Mass 11:25am

Reception to follow:

Rockley’s Event Center
8555 W Colfax Avenue
Lakewood, CO
1:00 to 3:00pm