David Gonzalez

David González was welcomed home through the pearly gates of Heaven on Monday, May 6, 2019, while holding his children’s hands and listening as his wife sang songs of praise. He was 63. On July 14, 1955, David was born and raised in Roswell, NM, to Merced and Francisca González. Number 7 of twelve brothers and sisters, he was actually born and raised on the Haley Farm west of town as his father, Merced, tended to the pecan fields. David graduated from Goddard High School in 1973 and held many interesting jobs in his early days including, working maintenance at the local zoo, caring for the animals and conducting the train that travels through the zoo. He worked at Eastern New Mexico Medical Center as a transport tech; moving patients in and out of the OR and often stated he considered pursuing a career in nursing or medicine like his sisters. David attended Eastern New Mexico University to obtain his degree in Broadcast Journalism. During his education, he launched and hosted a Spanish Variety show called Cultura, Orgullo, y Herencia, which has now been shorten to Cultura and aired regularly on KENW, where he had various up and coming Tejano bands perform, and he often included his then girlfriend, soon to be wife, Mary Hernandez. David first met Mary in his church youth group during middle school. They became high school sweethearts and eventually married on September 2, 1978. He began his journalism career at KMID in Midland, TX, and eventually made his way to Roswell, NM, to become lead anchor, and eventually news director at KBIM-TV for fifteen years. David was promoted to a position in Albuquerque, NM, at the sister station, KRQE, but being the family man that he was, the hours were not compatible with family life and he decided spending time with his children was more important, so he moved back to Roswell, where he anchored and directed the broadcast for another five years. During David’s time at KBIM, he had the privilege of starting and/or contributing to the careers of many other household names like Kathy Wyatt, Kim Stecklein (Halsted), Jaccii Farris, Bob Martin, Van Tate, and Cam Moore, among many others. After his time at KBIM, he began his career as a DJ by helping to launch the popular bilingual radio station KPSA (Que Pasa). David enjoyed bringing to the community the rich world of Tejano, Tex-Mex, and oldies. After a few years of working at KPSA, he returned to KBIM as station manager. David was soon presented with the opportunity to join the world of cable and internet by becoming general manager of Cable One, remaining there for the past seventeen years. David always enjoyed guiding and directing paths and thus, during his early years at KBIM, he taught a broadcast journalism class at Roswell High School. He encouraged children to become part of the journalism world through “News for Kids” which was a program that allowed children to write their own news stories and report on them during the news broadcast. David coached an undefeated woman’s softball team who ultimately became National Women’s Champions. He regularly announced Girl’s and Boy’s basketball and varsity football games where he earned the name, “The Golden Voice.” Many athletes looked forward to having their name announced over the sound system by “The Golden Voice” and often asked for him to announce their names in a similar fashion during high school graduation. Here, David also had the privilege of announcing the graduating names of his daughter, granddaughters, and many nieces and nephews. He was elected City Counselor and served for two years. He free-heartedly contributed often to the Roswell Community and aimed to make his city a better place to live. David’s greatest love was first and foremost his Savior, Jesus Christ, and he lived his life to follow the teachings of his faith. During his time in the hospital, he often stated that his circumstance was not about him, but about Christ and bringing people together to praise his name. David was astounded by the number of prayers lifted for him and was so pleased that so many people were praying and in communication with God. PRECEDED: Preceding David in death: his father, Merced González; mother Francisca González Nunez; sister, María de Los Ángeles; and brother, Julian González. SURVIVORS: David is survived by his loving wife of forty years, Mary González; son, Omar González (Sandy), and their five girls Victoria, Tiffany, Alexis, Abby, and Addison; great-granddaughter, Lea; daughter, Dr. Angelica Rodriguez (Jacob), and their four fur-babies: Shelby, Aiyana, Lily, and Mirasol; siblings: Clotilde (Kenneth Lake) of Houston, TX, Isidro Alvaro (Melinda), Benjamin (Nancy) of Las Cruces, NM, Gloria Estela, Samuel Francisco (Marsha), Daniel, Armando Elias (Sharlene), Merced Jr. (Ruth), and Roberto; and numerous nieces and nephews. PALLBEARERS: Honored to serve as Pallbearers are his son, Omar; son-in-law, Jacob; and each of his brothers. SERVICES: A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, May 11, 2019, 9:30 AM, at Church on the Move. Interment will follow at South Park Cemetery. MEMORIALS: In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the María de Los Ángeles González Nursing Award and will be greatly appreciated. Donations may also be made to ENMU-Roswell Foundation, PO BOX 6000 Roswell, New Mexico, 88202. Make checks payable to ENMU Roswell Foundation. Memo: María de Los Ángeles González Nursing Award. David’s tribute was lovingly written in his honor by his family.

David Gonzalez

July 14, 1955 - May 6, 2019