Celso Gonzales, Jr.

Celso Maximino Gonzales, Jr., 47, of Rocky Ford passed away on October 7, 2022, at the University of Colorado Hospital in Aurora. He was born on June 29, 1975, in Tulia, Texas to Celso Gonzales, Sr. & Janie Alires.

He is survived by his loving wife, Shawna of Rocky Ford; sons, Michael Gonzales of Rocky Ford; Matthew (Jessica) Gallegos of Las Animas; Devon (Leah) Gallegos of La Junta; Marcos (Margie) Gallegos of McClave; several grandchildren and god-daughter, Jenny Howard of Colorado Springs; siblings, Celena (Ismael) Panuco of Colorado Springs, Fernando Gonzales of Rocky Ford, Marlena (Juan) Martinez of Loveland, Christopher (Annette) Lerma of Pueblo, Raymond Lerma of Rocky Ford, Flor (Carlos) Jimenez of Phoenix, AZ, James Gonzales of Phoenix, AZ; numerous nieces and nephews also survive. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, uncle, and parents, Celso Gonzales, Sr. and Janie Alires.

At the age of 17, Celso enlisted in the United States Army National Guard. During his career in the armed forces, Celso was promoted through the ranks and retired as a Staff Sergeant. Celso was a strong and disciplined man who took great pride in his 22 years of service to our country.

Celso had an exceptionally strong work ethic his entire life, and after his many years of service to our country, he worked for 21 years at the Bent County Correctional Facility. Celso was a natural born leader, and as Captain at BCCF, he was able to mentor and inspire those that worked under his guidance. Celso also served on the BCCF SORT for 17 years. It goes without saying that Celso was more than just an employee of BCCF, he was family.

Celso was an unbelievably selfless and humble man, and he was steadfast in all things in life. He was a man of great integrity. He had an unwavering strength that could always be relied on. Most would consider him quiet, but when Celso did speak up, his words held great meaning. He was also exceptionally funny and always had great stories to share.

Of all his amazing attributes, the most admirable was his enduring love for his family and friends. He was the most loving husband, father, brother, and son a family could ever hope to ask for.

To know Celso was to know the best version of a man. Those who were lucky enough to have Celso in their lives will understand such a profound loss that it is impossible to put into words. We can say that he was all the good in the world – he was love, and warmth, and light. Celso Maximino Gonzales, Jr. was a beautiful soul taken away too soon. Although Celso’s life on this earth was tragically short, his light will continue to shine in the memories we hold so dear.

Recitation of the Holy Rosary will be Thursday, October 20, 2022, at 9:30 a.m. followed by the Memorial Mass at 10:00 a.m. at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Rocky Ford with Father Joel Lasutaz officiating.

Those wishing to do so may make memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society direct or through the funeral home.

Online condolences may be made at www.PeacockFH.com. Peacock-Larsen Funeral Home & Arkansas Valley Crematory is in charge of arrangements.