Ignacio “Chico” Lira Gonzalez, age 78, of Castroville, passed away on February 15, 2018 in San Antonio after a brief illness. He was born September 10, 1939 in Catarina, Texas, one of thirteen children of Antonio Estevan Gonzalez and Eudelia Lira Gonzalez.
From 1970 to the mid 1980’s, he owned and operated Chico’s Mobil Gas and Service Station. After he sold the station, Chico worked for Medina County Precinct #2 for many years in the road maintenance department as a truck driver and maintenance worker.
Chico was a true animal lover. He raised sheep and goats in the lot by his home, and always had a dog or two to keep him company. He built special bird cages and raised love birds, too. Chico was an excellent ranch hand. Many cattle ranchers in the area would call Chico to help them work their cattle. Chico enjoyed his daily walks in his Koenig Park neighborhood with his faithful companion, “Gigi.”
He enjoyed visiting with his many friends in Castroville. On the day of the annual St. Louis Day Homecoming at Koenig Park, he would have numerous visitors at his home that is conveniently located across from the entrance.
Chico’s favorite place to eat was at Bill Miller’s. If you went to Bill Miller’s, whether it was at lunch time or in the evening, you would probably see him there, sitting at his usual table, with a smile on his face.
Chico was a member of St. Louis Catholic Church and St. Louis Men’s Society.
Chico was preceded in death by his parents, Antonio and Eudelia Gonzalez; brothers, Antonio “Tony” Gonzales, Rudolfo “Rudy” Gonzales and Victor Gonzales.
Survivors include his brothers, Manuel (Kathy) Gonzales, Arturo (Debra) Gonzales, Jose (Gloria) Gonzales, Juan (Emma) Gonzales and Robert (Annette) Gonzales; sisters, Elida (David) Ybarra, Alamar (Jesse) Duncan, Lucia (Eijio) Mascorro and Sylvia Monreal; sister-in-law, Laura Gonzales; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Visitation will be Wednesday, February 21, 2018 starting at 5:00 pm at Tondre-Guinn Funeral Home, with the Holy Rosary recited at 7:00 pm. Mass of the Resurrection will be Thursday, February 22, 2018 at 10:30 am at St. Louis Catholic Church. Interment will follow at St. Louis Catholic Cemetery.
Memorials may be made in Chico’s memory to St. Louis Men’s Society.
Arrangements by Tondre-Guinn Funeral Home.