Joe Amador Gonzales Jr.

Joe A. Gonzales Jr., known as, “The BodyMan”, age 80 of Seguin, Texas, passed away on November 26, 2025, of natural causes. He was born on July 25, 1945, to Maria de Jesus (Amador) and Joe L. Gonzales.

Joe was preceded in death by his mother, Maria de Jesus, and father, Joe L. Gonzales; his siblings, Margaret Nieto and Richard Gonzales; and his son, Javier Gonzales.

Raised in Seguin, TX, Joe joined the U.S. Navy on May 17, 1965, serving two years on active duty and eleven years in the Naval Reserves. He reported to the USS REEDBIRD (MSCO 51) in Newport, New Hampshire, and the Minesweeper USS STALWART (MSO 493) in Charleston, South Carolina. While onboard naval vessels, Joe’s first primary duty was as a Boatswain's Mate in the Deck Department. As a young seaman, he was responsible for operations, maintenance, and seamanship, including supervising the upkeep of the ship's exterior and operating small boats. As a Bos’n, Joe was hand-picked to man the helm during the demanding Replenishments-At-Sea operations due to his mastery of ship handling, having sharp judgment, and exuding confidence, as well as a thorough understanding of the ship's response to steering commands in all conditions. A feat he was most proud of. Later, he changed his rate when he passed the exam for Mess Specialist, earned the rank of Mess Specialist Third Class, and spent the rest of his naval career as a cook. He received Letters of Commendation and Appreciation for his excellent demonstration of professional performance, most notably for his efforts in helping salvage parts of the USS Stalwart (MSO-493), after it caught fire and sank pier-side in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on June 25, 1967.

After the Navy, Joe attended both Prairie View A&M and Southwest Texas, earning his teaching credentials. As a Vocational Auto Body Instructor, he taught in the San Antonio area at Holmes High School and Memorial High School where he supervised and mentored students during shop activities. He provided hands-on training in repair and refinishing techniques and ensured shop safety. He took the students to auto body competitions throughout the region and placed at these events. It was during this time that he earned and coined the name “The Body Man”, by the students he affected. In addition to teaching auto body, he completed a pre-licensing course, passed the state licensing exam, and earned his insurance adjuster license.

Joe left teaching auto body in schools and working as an insurance adjuster when he was called upon to help run the family business, Gonzales Paint and Body Shop located at the corner of Court St. and Guadalupe. Working alongside his father and brothers, Joe, as Office Manager, played a crucial role in building and maintaining the family’s reputation as a highly respected business. The Gonzales name remains strong and well-known throughout Seguin.

A man of many talents, Joe was also a skilled musician. However, his sense of duty to his country led him to enlist in the Navy. Before serving, he was the original drummer for The Broken Hearts. As a teenager, he and the band played in dance halls throughout Seguin and the surrounding areas. Joe had fond memories of driving the band’s Desoto and the instruments on a trailer built in his father's auto body shop. He contributed his skills to their first recorded album, which included the song “Las Cuatro Milpas”. While stationed in Spain, he was able to hear the recording with his fellow servicemen thousands of miles away from Seguin. Later, he drummed for conjunto cover bands, Los Vientos and the Pavo Band, which included various siblings and cousins.

Joe was fun-loving, passionate, and wise. He deeply cared for all his immediate and extended family. His heart, door, and table were always open. He made sure there was plenty of menudo and barbacoa on Sundays for everyone. He loved cooking, often reminiscing about his days as a Navy cook. He enjoyed baking and barbecuing. An athlete, Joe was a low-handicap golfer and was a member of the Pan American Golf Association. Joe was a die-hard Dallas Cowboys fan, a San Antonio Spurs fanatic, and bled burnt orange for his Texas Longhorns football.

Joe is survived by his wife Dora Elia, his son Mario and wife Vanessa, his son Juan Sr. and wife Yisel, his daughter-in-law Denise, his daughter Veronica and husband Julio.

Grandchildren include: Alyssa, Joshua (Celeste), Christopher (Claudia), Mario III (Annette), Jessica (Jake), Jo Anthony (Kathy), Thomas, Cameron, Juan Jr. (Victoria), Julio Jr. (Kathia), Desirae, Andrew (Jada), Nicole (Erick), Jakob, Javier Jr. (Daizy), Analise, Sebastian (Fatima), and Matthew.

Great-grandchildren are Lilyana, Alyanna, Drew, Jayden, Damian, Adam, Mila, Jaxon, Joshua Jr., Luke, Avery, Atlas, Malachai, Avio, Cora, and Luna.

He is further survived by siblings: Josie, Fred, Gilbert, Rachel, Ninfa (Jesse), and Ora, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

His presence will be deeply missed, and we will forever cherish the memories we shared. Puro slow boogie, Grandpa Joe.

The family will receive condolences on Thursday, December 4, 2025 at Palmer Mortuary from 5pm to 8pm. The recitation of the Holy Rosary will begin at 6:30pm and will be officiated by Deacon Nick Carrillo. 

The final viewing will be held at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church on Friday, December 5, 2025 starting at 9:30am and a Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10:30am. At the conclusion of mass everyone is asked to make their way to Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Cemetery as there will not be a formal funeral procession. The burial with military honors will begin at 12pm.