Jorge H. Gonzalez

Jorge H. Gonzalez passed away peacefully in his sleep at home on June 19, 2025. He was a devoted
husband, father, grandfather, brother, and loyal friend. Jorge left a profound impact on his
community through decades of volunteer service, leadership, and generosity-whether investing in
local restaurants, advising in various financial roles, or serving on the Trinity Water Board. He was
renowned for his integrity, kindness, and infectious sense of humor.
Born in Laredo, Texas, on September 24, 1942, to Edmundo and Anita González. Alongside his
brothers, Edmundo and Roberto, Jorge served as an altar boy, played sports, hosted dance parties,
and loved hunting. The brothers attended Ursuline Academy in Laredo and later St. Joseph's
Military Academy in Hays, Kansas.
Education was a deeply rooted value in the Gonzalez and Barreda families. Jorge graduated from
Kansas State University in 1966 with a master's degree in industrial engineering. He met Marian
Barnes in Kansas, and together they raised three children-Ana, Maria Cristina, and Cesar-first in
Houston and later in San Antonio.
Jorge began his career at IBM, contributing to both the Gemini and Apollo programs and playing a
role in landing the first man on the moon in 1969. With his skills in computer coding from IBM and
Computer Knowledge, he later transitioned into the medical field, founding Billing Partners, which
supported anesthesia, emergency transport, and pathology groups for over a decade.
In 1992, Jorge celebrated as all three of his children graduated: Ana earned her M.D. from UT
Southwestern Medical School, Cristina received her law degree from St. Mary's University, and
Cesar graduated from Notre Dame as an aerospace engineer. Jorge felt that investing in his
children's education was the best investment that he could make and one of his proudest
accomplishments.
After retiring at age 50, Jorge immersed himself in civic life. His dear friend Nick Garza introduced
him to Fiesta, which quickly became a lifelong passion. Jorge served as an elected Commissioner
for four years, joined the Board of Directors, and ultimately became President of the Fiesta
Commission in 2007. His leadership helped expand academic scholarship programs and city-wide
fundraising efforts.
Jorge was also part of the first class of Consejos, a group supporting the Rey Feo Scholarship
Program, and proudly served on two Rey Feo Courts. He was the Night Aide for Tom Sineni in 2004
and Prime Minister for Fernando Reyes in 2008. He believed deeply in the mission of the Rey Feo
program and its role in funding education.
In May 1993, Jorge met Debbie Archer, the Catering Manager at the St. Anthony Hotel, while
planning Ana and Mike Gardner's wedding. Jorge and Debbie dated while her children-Amber,
John, Desiree, and Zach- completed high school and went off to college. Jorge embraced each of
them as his own, attending every activity, encouraging their ambitions, and reinforcing the
importance of education.
Jorge and Debbie were married on August 31, 2002. They shared a love for travel and big game
hunting, embarking on unforgettable adventures across Spain, Africa, British Columbia, Argentina,
and Europe-always accompanied by family and close friends, even joining his brother Mundo
and wife Peggy on their honeymoon hunting trip in New Zealand. Jorge was a modern-day
Renaissance Man. In addition to travel and hunting, he enjoyed dancing and singing, Broadway
Musicals, Sports, Art, Antiques, Collecting Ceramic Figurines, riding his lawn mower, and water
aerobics, always making new friends along the way.
Jorge leaves behind a legacy of love, leadership, and service that will continue to inspire everyone
who knew him. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.
He is survived by:
His loving wife of 22 years, Debbie Gonzalez;
Ana (Mike) Gardner and their children Jason and Erica; Cristina Gonzalez; Cesar Gonzalez
and his children Isaac, Bella, and Ana.
Edmundo (Peggy) Gonzalez and their children Ed III (Amy) and Rebecca; Roberto (Pita)
Gonzalez and their children Omar (Ana) and Daniela (Jonathan) Clark.
Amber Ferro (Bryon), and their children Jackson and Delaney; John Archer (Lori) and
their children Max and Finley; Desiree Dixon (Jeb), and their children Julia, Brooke and Reece; and
Zachary Archer and his son, Witten.
Please wear best FIESTA attire!
**If you would like to send a floral arrangement, the family requests that you contact "The Last Straw" Florist Shop. https://thelaststrawflorist.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoqcTV2syjcjK4rbO3LgrdAIwEhsoNDJMotcXIcIG_VV0ExWpMFC