"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith."

2 Timothy 4:7.

Reverend Manuel Gonzales was born in 1944 in Marlin, Texas. After his birth, he lived in Temple, Texas, before moving to Lubbock, Texas in 1956.

After many hardships in life, including seasons of being in and out of prison, Manuel Gonzales experienced a profound and lasting transformation through his faith in Jesus Christ in 1983. This encounter with Jesus became the foundation of his life. From his own testimony of redemption, he spent over 30 years in prison and jail ministry throughout Texas and New Mexico, sharing the message of Jesus Christ with the incarcerated. During this time, he baptized hundreds of men behind prison walls and was known as a prayer warrior, teacher, prophet, and servant of Jesus Christ.

Manuel was a business owner and founded Manuel's Lawn Care in 1996. He was a humble, hard-working man who loved what he did and took great pride in providing excellent customer service. His integrity, reliability, and kindness left a lasting impression on all who knew him.

In 2008, after marrying his wife Dahlia, Manuel moved to Round Rock, Texas. In 2023, he returned to Lubbock, Texas, where he became a member of Kingdom Life Fellowship Church and continued his prison ministry.

Manuel Gonzales was preceded in death by his parents Augustina Franco and Lasaro Franco of Lubbock, Texas; his siblings Jesse Gonzales, Felis Lopez of Temple, Texas, Katarina Gonzales, Alvina Castillo, and Joe Franco of Lubbock, Texas.

Survivors include his wife, Dahlia Gonzales of Round Rock, Texas; his children Rosalinda Gonzales of Lubbock, Texas; Manuel Christopher Gonzales (Kim) of Clovis, New Mexico; and Nicolette Villanueva (Jonathan) of Albuquerque, New Mexico; along with Dominga Martinez, Deloris Aranda (Raymond), Hope Garza of Lubbock, Texas, Mary Frances Rodriguez, and Alfred Franco of Dallas. He was the proud grandfather of five grandchildren and was also blessed with several great-grandchildren.

Manuel Gonzales will be remembered for his servant's heart, his dedication to ministry, and his unwavering faith in Jesus Christ. He will be deeply missed by all whose lives were touched by his words, actions, and love for Jesus.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at a later date. Family, friends, and church members will be notified.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Manuel Gonzales's name to Kingdom Life Fellowship, 4201 Ave J, Lubbock, Texas 79412.

"But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers." Luke 22:32.