BLUEWELL : West Virginia is the poorer this morning at the passing of Michael Joseph Gonzales, 62, of Bluewell, formerly of Welch. Gonzales died at home after a long and protracted battle which the word "heroic" hardly suffices.

Born in Bartley on Dec. 18, 1943, he was the son of the late Mike Gonzales and Rosaria "Rosie" Gonzales of Milton.

Gonzales is survived by his wife, Bonita Garcia Gonzales of Bluewell; his mother, Rosaria Gonzales of Milton; a son, Michael Gonzales and wife Telena of Milton; a daughter, Linda Dolder and her husband Jamie of Harpers Ferry; four grandchildren, Michael Gonzales III, Brittany, Kristen, and Aaron Gonzales; one brother, Victor Gonzales of Milton; an uncle, Victor Grigoraci and his wife Judy of Charleston; and an aunt, Mary G. Beaton of Fredericksburg, Va. In addition Joe is also survived by his beloved Yorkshire Terrier, "Chipper."

There are probably few people that the words "service" and "heroism" could fit more than Joe Gonzales. It seemed that his whole life centered around service to his fellow man and heroism in battling the many debilitating illnesses that followed him all of his adult life.

After graduating from Big Creek High School, Gonzales entered the U. S. Air Force, where he served until forced to retire due to the chronic illnesses that followed him all his life. Joe then enrolled at Concord College, where he graduated in 1971. He then began a long and fruitful career as a teacher in the West Virginia public schools. Joe began his teaching career at Welch High School, then at Mount View High School, and finally at Laeger High School. "Mr. G," as Joe was known, is fondly remembered by thousands of successful students.

During his career as a teacher and administrator, he became very interested in professional organizations. Joe worked his way up through the various educational professional organizations, the West Virginia Organization of Classroom Teachers, The McDowell County Education Association, where he served on many committees and finally held the presidency, and the West Virginia Education Association where he served on the Executive Committee for many years. Always seen at local, state, and national meetings, there were few West Virginia teachers more recognizable than Joe Gonzales.

In addition to his involvement with educational affairs, Gonzales was also totally immersed in veterans organizations and civic affairs. He served as Commander of Welch Post No. 8 of the American Legion and Chef d'Guerre of the 40 & 8 Society. He served on many committees for each organization and for many years was the Parade Chairman for the American Legion Veterans Day Parade.

Joe did not neglect his civic responsibilities either. Rejoined the Welch Lions Club in 1971 and through the years held every office in the club. Nothing was too large or too small for Joe to do. He cooked for the outdoor committee, cut Christmas trees, and served numerous times on the Board of Directors. Joe was famous for his fiery chicken strips that he cooked for the Welch Lions Club, using his own special blend of exotic peppers. Many times an imprudent Lion or guest paid the price for gulping down one of those chickens.

After his stint as President of the Welch Lions Club, he served as Zone Chairman for West Virginia Lions Sub-District 29-N. Gonzales was the recipient of the Leonard Jarrett Award, the highest honor West Virginia Lions can bestow, and was a Melvin Jones Fellow, the highest award given by Lions International. In addition, he was also honored as Welch Lions Club "Lion of the Year" twice, in 1993 and 1999.

Joe was also honored by the Welch Chamber of Commerce as "Distinguished Male Citizen" in 1983.

Joe was also a member of McDowell Lodge No. 112 A.F.&A.M. where he served as Treasurer; the McDowell Shrine Club and Beni Kedem Temple AAONMS.

Joe Gonzales was also an avid golfer. In fact, he was instrumental in the forming of the Tug River Country Club, a group of friends and golfers who travel the area playing different golf courses.

Joe was chronically ill for most of his adult life but no one would ever know it. There were few people who approached life with such a positive attitude and a zest for life as Joe Gonzales, nor are there many people who are held in such high esteem by his family and friends. Joe's courage could serve as an example for us all.

Funeral services will be held at the Fanning Funeral Home in Welch on Wednesday, Nov. 1, 2006 at 11 a.m. with Brother Rogers Hannan and the Rev. Randall Dority presiding. Entombment will follow at the Resthaven Mausoleum in Princeton, with military honors conducted by the Mercer County Veterans Council, followed by the last rites of Masonry, conducted by the McDowell Lodge No. 112, A.F.&A.M. of Welch. In honor of Joe, flags will be flown at half staff at laeger and Mount View High Schools.

Pallbearers will be James Hall, Wayne Hicks, Harold Bright, Steve Bary, Arvel Wyatt, Charlie Spencer, Frank Cooley, and Michael Callaway at the funeral home, and the members of McDowell Lodge No. 112 at the gravesite.

Honorary pallbearers will be members of the Tug River Country Club.

Friends may call at the Fanning Funeral Home in Welch today, Oct. 31, 2006 from 5 to 8 p.m. There will be a Vigil Prayer service at 7 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the charity of your choice.

Fanning Funeral Home in Welch is serving the Gonzales family.

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