Sam Gonzales

Sam Gonzales, age 89, of Wharton, Texas passed away of a sudden illness on February 20, 2026, at his daughters' home in Needville, TX. He was born on October 13, 1936, in Ganado to the late Marcelino and Eusebia Rivera Gonzales.

Sam grew up in the Ganado area attending Ganado High School.

He later attended electrician school with Dow Chemical. He married Lydia Jaquez on July 2, 1966. They celebrated 55 years together before her passing on June 24, 2021. Sam worked for Dow Chemical as an electrician for over 30 years before retiring to open Sams' Electric here in Wharton. He enjoyed helping local churches with their electric issues. Sam was a hard worker, who rarely took time off. He did enjoy maintaining his yard at home and being with his family.

In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by his sisters, Rachel Tope and Rosa Rangel, and brothers, Ralph Gonzales, Roy Gonzales, Moses Gonzales, Emil Gonzales and Exsiquio Gonzales.

He is survived by his daughter, Cynthia Alderete and husband, Frank of Needville, sisters, Lois Alvarez, and Lydia Dennis, brother, Marcelino Gonzales, Jr. and grandson, Joseph Mendoza and wife, Jasmine with one great grandchild on the way, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Pall bearers will be Joseph Mendoza, Martin Villafana, Johnny Medrano, Basillo Sosa, Frank Alderete, Toby Dennis. Honorary Pall Bearers are Emilio Villereal, Kenneth Alvarez, Robert Alvarez, Daniel Gonzales, Emil Gonzales,Jr.

Family services will be held on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at Wharton Funeral Home at 10 am. Burial will follow in Evergreen Memorial Park Cemetery in Wharton. 

Funeral Services are under the direction of Wharton Funeral Home.

Condolences may be left at whartonfuneralhome.com.