CARMEN GONZALES, 76, of Winfield, Kansas, passed away Sunday morning, March 11, 2012 at Wesley Medical Center in Wichita.

Born on July 16, 1935 in El Paso, Texas, he was the son of Isaac and Conception (Alva) Gonzales. He was raised and received his education in Florence, Kansas and graduated from Florence High School in 1953.

A veteran of the Korean War, Mr. Gonzales served as a medic in the United States Navy. Following his honorable discharge he attended and graduated from Emporia State University where he received his masters degree in elementary education.

He was united in marriage to Juanita Martinez on October 22, 1960 in Moline, Kansas. Carmen served as an elementary principal for Irving, Whittier, Pleasant Valley, Lowell and South Vernon Schools and retired in 1994.

Carmen was a member of the Holy Name Catholic Church. He loved people which was evident in the many affiliations he was involved with. He served on the Red Cross Board, the Cowley County Judiciary Board, the Twin Rivers Board, the Human Relations Board and the Mexican-American Advisory Council for the State of Kansas. He served as President of the School Board, served on the USD #465 Foundation and was a member of the American Legion Post #10 and the Winfield Kiwanis. Carmen started the Winfield Recreation Commission and was proud to be the first Mexican American to be hired for the school system in Winfield.

He enjoyed reading and the coffee group at Daylight Donuts. He had also coached church league baseball.

His family includes:
His wife: Juanita of the home;
His sons: Gary Gonzales of Wichita, KS; and Ruben Gonzales of Bossier City, LA;
His daughter: Vicki Brammer and husband Reed of Winfield, KS;
His brother: Carlos Gonzales of Florida;
His sister: Martha Palacious of Wichita, KS;
His half-sister: Rose Camargo of Newton, KS: and
His grandchildren: Richard and Carmen Brammer, Megan, Alex, Abby, Morgan and Amy Gonzales.
In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his step-father, Alejandro Palacious; his brothers, Luis. Ruben, Ventura and David; and his sisters, Guadalupe Martinez and Grace Miles.

A Celebration of the Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 A.M., Thursday, March 15, 2012 at Holy Name Catholic Church. Military committal honors will follow at the Kansas Veterans Cemetery. A Rosary will be recited at 7:00 P.M., Wednesday, March 14, 2012 at the Holy Name Catholic Church.

A memorial has been established in Carmen's name for the USD#465 Foundation. Contributions may be made through the funeral home.