Rev. Leandro Gonzales, Sr.

STANTON - Rev. Leandro “Cano” Gonzales, Sr., 80 of Stanton, died Dec.19, 2020 at his residence surrounded by his loved ones. Funeral services were Dec. 30, at the First Baptist Church in Stanton. Interment followed at Trinity Memorial Park in Big Spring. A viewing at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home in Big Spring was on Dec. 29.

Born Feb. 27, 1940 in Devine, to Pedro Escamilla Gonzales and Maria Garcia Gonzales. He was raised in San Antonio and later moved to Martin County at a young age of 13 years old. He went to work as a farm worker, where he later met the love of his life, Olga Garza. They married in 1962 in Lamesa and were blessed with four children. Leandro worked for Stanton ISD and retired from Grady ISD. His ultimate passion was to serve the Lord after accepting to be called as a pastor. He was ordained May of 1979, at The First Baptist Church of Stanton. He continued his career as a pastor in several churches in Stanton, Snyder, Big Spring and Odessa retiring in 2011.

He was a devoted husband, a loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and a dedicated minister. He loved people and was a joyful person that never met a stranger and always gave unconditionally. He always sought opportunities to teach his children and grandchildren his knowledge and wisdom for them avoid the life lesson he had to endure.

Survivors include his wife, Olga Gonzales of Stanton; two sons, Leandro Gonzales, Jr., (Cristy) and Luis Gonzales (Shelly); two daughters, Laura Hernandez (Antonio) of Midland, and Gracie Villa (Favian) of Stanton; two sisters, Maria Elena Gonzales of Waco and Irma Gonzales of Las Vegas, NV; grandchildren: Adrian Hernandez (Linnea), Aaron Hernandez (Courtney), Micki Dillard (Chad), Ashley Shaw (Zachary), Natalia Padilla (David), Andrew Villa, Wendy Johnson (Taylor), Amy Studer (Johnathan), Nicholas Villa and Sydney Gonzales and fifteen great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers, Marcos Gonzales and Eloy Gonzales and one sister Juanita Saldivar.

Arrangements were under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home and Crematory in Big Spring. Online condolences can be made at www.npwelch.com