MANUEL "LEFTY" E. GONZALES

Dodge City - Manuel "Lefty" E. Gonzales, 92, died January 31, 2013 at Life Care Center in Andover. He was born on October 2, 1920 in the Mexican Village at Dodge City the son of Domingo and Angelita (Espinoza) Gonzales. Mr. Gonzales attended and graduated from a school that was taught by Miss Lola Adams Crumb.

Mr. Gonzales was called to serve his country in World War II in the South Pacific as a teletype radio operator and was a member of the 3926th Signed Service Platoon. Mr. Gonzales was decorated with the American Service Medal, the Asiatic Pacific Service Medal, the World War II Victory Medal, the Good Conduct Medal and the Meritorious Service Unit Plaque. After the war, Manuel returned to Dodge City and began working for the Santa Fe Railroad until his retirement in May of 1985.

"Lefty" married Esperanza "Blanche" Moreno on July 27, 1953 in Dodge City. She preceded him in death on March 31, 2003. After her death Manuel moved to Wichita.

He was a member of the Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe of Dodge City, Church of the Resurrection in Wichita, Adoration member of the Church of the Resurrection inWichita, helped with the American Cancer Society of Dodge City and was a member of Honor Flight.

Survivors include on son, Paul Gonzales and wife Julie of Dodge City; one daughter, Nora Gonzales Mode and husband Kevin of Wichita; grandchildren, Nichol Gonzales of Milford, MA, Sidney Mode stationed in Kuwait, and Paul Mode of Wichita; great grandchildren, Jace Gonzales and Gracie Mode; brothers, Albert Gonzales of Dodge City, Joseph Gonzales of Dodge City, Jullian Gonzales of Haysville, and Leonard Gonzales of Larned; and sisters, Frances Ontiveros of Dodge City and Mickey Perez of Larned.

In addition to his wife, Mr. Gonzales was preceded in death by his parents; one grandson, Justin Gonzales; brothers, Angel Gonzales, Frank Gonzales, and Eddie Gonzales; and sisters, Angelita Gonzales and Stella Ontiberos.

Funeral service will be held at Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Dodge City on Wednesday, February 6, 2013 at 10:00 AM with Rev. Ted Skalsky presiding. Burial will follow at Greencrest Cemetery in Dodge City with military rites by Howard Gotschall Post #1714 V.F.W.. Visitation will be at Swaim Funeral Home on Tuesday, February 5, 2013 from 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM. Vigil service will be held at 7:00 PM on Tuesday, February 5, 2013 at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Dodge City. Memorials are suggested to the Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe in care of the funeral home. Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guest book at www.swaimfuneralhome.com.