Henry Gonzales, III.

Celebrating the Life of Henry “Top” Gonzales, III.

Henry “Top” Gonzales III, of Waco, Texas, was called home to be with the Lord on Friday, January 16, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on September 14, 1949, in Waco, Texas, to Henry and Mary Gonzales Jr.

Henry was a devoted member of Viento Fuerte Church, where he faithfully served as a Deacon. His faith, leadership, and dedication to service were evident throughout his life.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers, Albert Gonzales and Martin Gonzales.

Henry is survived by his beloved wife, Aracely Dominguez Gonzales of Waco; children, Alejandro and fiancée Stephanie, Montserrat, Daniela and husband Uriel, Henry Gonzales IV, Alicia and husband Joel, and Tina and husband Pilar; brother, Mark Gonzales and wife Carol; sisters, Helen Morales and Carol Salcedo; along with numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren who brought him great joy.

Henry attended Richfield High School and was drafted into the United States Marine Corps, serving during the Vietnam War beginning in 1968. After 21 years of honorable service, he retired in 1989 with the rank of Master Sergeant.

Following his military career, Henry worked for 20 years at the VA Regional Office. He was widely known and deeply respected in the community for his extensive involvement with numerous organizations, including the Heart of Texas Young Marines, Marine Corps League, Veterans Day Parade, Flag Retirement Ceremonies, Leatherneck Run, Turkey Trot Run, Salvation Army Bell Ringing, Toys for Tots, St. John Baptist Church Food Pantry, McLennan County Veterans Association, Kiwanis Club, Book Club, Waco Child Care Board, Festival on the Brazos (formerly the Cotton Palace Pageant), Sertoma Kite Festival, Vietnam Veterans Sunset Ceremony, and the RSVP Banquet.

Henry enjoyed attending Baylor football games, watching Texas A&M games, going to Christian concerts, and singing along—often aloud—to his Spanish Christian music. He also cherished time spent with his beloved pets, Milo, Luna, and Lucy. Milo is already waiting for him in heaven, and Luna, who spent many days by his side, deeply misses him.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the doctors, nurses, respiratory therapists, technicians, and all staff at Ascension Providence Hospital and Hospice for their compassionate care and support.

Visitation: Friday, January 30, 2026 from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at OakCrest Funeral Home, 4520 Bosque Boulevard Waco, Texas 76710

Church Funeral Service: Saturday, January 31, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at First Woodway Baptist Church (Viento Fuerte), 101 N. Ritchie Road Woodway, Texas 76712, with Pastor Tom Gutiérrez officiating.

Burial with Full Military Honors: Immediately following the service at Waco Memorial Park, 6633 S. IH-35 Service Road Robinson, Texas 76706

1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 NIV: Believers Who Have Died

Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.

Semper Fi