San Benito/Rio Hondo, TX- Leonardo Gonzalez, Sr., 91, passed away September 15, 2010 at Retama Manor in Harlingen. He was born on September 22, 1918 in San Benito, TX. Leonardo liked to sing and play the guitar and harmonica; he was a great storyteller with a great memory who often entertained his family with past events; he had a great sense of humor and was always joking around; he was happy with what God had given him which was his family; he believed a family is like a deep rooted tree with branches of different strength all receiving nourishment from an infinite source. He will be greatly missed. He is preceded in death by his wife, Petra Rangel Gonzalez; his parents, Romulo and Rosalinda Gracia Gonzalez, Sr.; a daughter, Elma Morales; 3 grandchildren, Stefani Gonzalez, Sonia Gonzalez and Benjamin Jacob Gonzalez; along with numerous brothers and sisters. Leonardo is survived by his children, Leonardo (Virginia) Gonzalez, Jr., Esmeralda (Lawrence) Owens, Leonel (Elizabeth) Gonzalez, Elodia (Tom) Reina, Arnulfo (Anita) Gonzalez, Jose (Gloria) Gonzalez, Estelita (Steve) Hanson, Gonzalo (Sandra) Gonzalez, Gilberto (Caroline) Gonzalez, Rosa Linda (Richard) Barrow and Romulo (Laura) Gonzalez; a son-in-law, Roberto Morales; 30 grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren; 3 brothers, Elias, Lucio and Jorge Gonzalez; and a sister, Fidela Ybarra; along with numerous other relatives. Visitation will be held on Thursday, September 16, 2010 from 2:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. with a Prayer Service at 7:00 P.M. at Thomae-Garza Funeral Home in San Benito. Chapel Service will be held on Friday, September 17, 2010 at 9:30 A.M. at Thomae-Garza Funeral Home in San Benito. Interment will follow to Mont Meta Memorial Park. Pallbearers will be Efrain Gonzalez, Arnie Gonzalez, Jr., Gonzalo Gonzalez, Jr., Steven Gonzalez, Gabriel Gonzalez, and Victor Teames. Honorary pallbearers will be Samuel Gonzalez, Eric Gonzalez, Andrew Gonzalez and Joshua Gonzalez. Words of comfort can be sent to the family of Leonardo Gonzalez, Sr. at www.thomaegarza.com Funeral arrangements entrusted to the care of Thomae-Garza Funeral Directors, 395 S Sam Houston, San Benito, TX (956) 399-1331.