Adan "Sonny" Garza Gonzales

Adan "Sonny" Garza Gonzales, 76, of Kingsville, Texas, passed away on February 10, 2026.

Sonny was born on July 22, 1949, and was raised on the historic King Ranch to his parents, Jose Angel Gonzales and Emilia Garza Gonzales. Growing up on the ranch shaped the course of his life. As a young boy, he worked with racehorses, learning the value of hard work, responsibility, and pride in a job well done. The ranch was more than where he was raised. It was where his roots ran deep.

In 1970, Sonny married the love of his life, Elsa Ruiz Gonzales. Shortly after their marriage, he was drafted into the United States Army. During his service, Sonny, Elsa, and their 1st born Jeanette Gonzales were stationed in Germany for a year and a half. Those years strengthened their bond and began a lifetime of shared experiences and devotion to one another.

After completing his military service, Sonny returned home and built a life centered on family and steady work. He became a self-employed welder, known for his skill and strong work ethic. Later, he joined the Army Depot in Corpus Christi, Texas, where he worked as a laser machine operator. He dedicated 37 years to his profession before retiring in 2011, closing a long chapter defined by dependability and commitment.

While Sonny took pride in his career, his greatest joy was his family. He was deeply involved in his children's lives, rarely missing an event. Whether it was rodeo competitions, soccer games, cheerleading events, softball games, band performances, or 4-H activities, Sonny was there, offering encouragement, guidance, and steady support. He also dedicated many years of service to 4-H as a Poultry Superintendent, generously giving his time to mentor and guide young participants. He believed in showing up, and he did, time and time again.

Sonny also enjoyed helping Mr. Meme Mendietta and friends cook for catered events, sharing his time and skills while contributing to the community and creating moments of camaraderie and joy.

Sonny devoted much of his life to his ranch and to the people he loved most. He leaves behind cherished memories and a lasting legacy that will live on through his children and grandchildren. His strength, loyalty, and deep love for family will continue to guide those who were fortunate enough to call him Dad and Grandpa.

Deeply rooted in faith, Sonny was guided by his strong belief in God. He attributed all his accomplishments to the Lord and never forgot to give thanks for the many blessings bestowed upon him. This unwavering devotion inspired those around him, and his faith played an integral role in shaping his honorable character. As Sonny would often say, "Déjalo En Manos De Dios."

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jose Angel and Emilia Garza Gonzales; his brother, Jose Rene Gonzales; his brother-in-law, Rene Buitron; his two nephews, Ernie and Bobby Rodriguez; and his grandson, Christopher Rene Gonzales Perez.

Among those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 55 years, Elsa Ruiz Gonzales; his daughters, Jeanette (Josue) Garcia and Zandra (Javier) Guevara; and his son, Adan Jr. (Stacie Flores). He is also survived by his four grandchildren, Javier David (JD) Guevara Jr., Jayce Adan Guevara, Jayden Zavier Guevara, and Aden Gonzales; and his siblings, Gloria (Ernestro) Rodriguez, Gracie Buitron, and Esmeralda (Richard) Davis.

Services will be held at St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church in Kingsville, Texas, Tuesday, March 3, 2026 beginning with a viewing at 9:00 a.m., the rosary at 10:00 a.m., and Mass at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at 2:00 p.m. at Coastal Bend State Veterans Cemetery in Corpus Christi, Texas.

The Gonzales family extends an invitation to join them for dinner following the memorial service of Mr. Adan "Sonny" Gonzales at St. Martin Parish Hall, 504 E. Ella Ave., Kingsville, Texas.