Richard Manuel Gonzalez, 88, of Red Bud, Illinois, passed away at 12:20 pm, Wednesday, January 18, 2022 at Bria of Columbia, Columbia, Illinois.
He was born to the late Manuel and Genevieve (nee Stephens) Gonzalez on August 19, 1934 in Sabinas Hildalgo, Nuevo Leon, Mexico. His mother brought Richard and his sister to the United States in 1939 and he grew up in West Frankfort, Illinois.
Richard married Melba J. Moll on August 22, 1959 at St. Xavier Catholic Church in Carbondale, Illinois; she survives.
Richard graduated from the Illinois Police Academy in 1959. After over 34 years on the road he retired as a Senior Master Trooper. He had received numerous awards including a life saving award.
He was an Army Veteran and served in the Korean War.
Richard was a member of the Fraternal Order of Police and American Legion Post #622 in Prairie du Rocher, Illinois.
Survivors:
Wife: Melba Gonzalez Red Bud, IL
Two children: Stephen E. (Lynne) Gonzalez Prairie du Rocher, IL and Marisa B. (Joseph) Bearden St. Louis, MO
Six grandchildren: Andrew J. (Ashley) Bearden, Zachary J. Bearden, Jacob D. Bearden, Celiene M. Gonzalez, Vincent T. Gonzalez and Nathaniel G. Gonzalez
Several sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews and friends.
Preceded in death by: parents: Manuel Gonzalez and Genevieve Gonzalez Williams, step-father: Ralph J. Williams, a daughter: Stefani June Gonzalez, a grandson: Eric J. Bearden and a sister and brother-in-law.