Fernando Gonzalez

Fernando "Coach" Gonzalez, 51, of N. Alameda, Carlsbad, New Mexico, passed away Friday, May 13, 2016 at Covenant Medical Center, Lubbock, Texas. Visitation will be 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM, Monday, May 23, 2016 at Denton-Wood Funeral Home. A Vigil is scheduled for 7:00 PM, Monday, May 23, 2016 at St. Edward Catholic Church. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 AM, Tuesday, May 24, 2016 at St. Edward Catholic Church with Rev. Francis Lazer officiating. Interment will follow in Carlsbad Cemetery, Carlsbad, New Mexico. Denton-Wood Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Fernando "Coach" Gonzalez was born February 18, 1965 in El Paso, Texas. He graduated from Bowie High School, El Paso, Texas in 1984. Fernando received his associate's degree from Cisco Junior College while on a football scholarship and then transferred to ENMU where he met Debra Saiz. They were married October 5, 1988. Fernando worked for Carlsbad Municipal Schools 24 years. He had a passion for coaching and had the opportunity to coach football, wrestling and track during his career while being a mentor to many. Fernando enjoyed music and was an avid Steelers fan. He was preceded in death by his wife, Debra Gonzalez and grandmother, Carlota Gonzalez. Survivors are his daughters: Corina Gonzalez of Carlsbad, NM, Carla Gonzalez of Carlsbad, NM; son, Fernando Luis Gonzalez of Carlsbad, NM; parents: Eliseo and Maria Ibarbo of El Paso, Texas; siblings: Guillermo Gonzalez and wife, Maria, Yolanda Salcedo and husband, Jesus, Ricardo Gonzalez and wife, Pat, Eliseo Ibarbo and wife, Rosa, Manuel Ibarbo and wife, Maria, Magdalena Saenz and husband, Ramon all of El Paso, TX and numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Pallbearers will be Eliseo Ibarbo, Manuel Ibarbo, Ricardo Gonzalez, Willie Gonzalez, Ray Saenz, Jesus Salcedo, Charlie Gonzalez, Albert Gonzalez. Honorary pallbearers will be Adon Dominguez and nieces and nephews. Condolences may be expressed at dentonwood.com