Valentine M.J. Gonzalez

Valentine M.J. Gonzalez, 79 of Columbus, GA, passed away on Monday, July 11, 2016, at his home.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am EST, on Friday, July 15, 2016, at Vance Memorial Chapel with Rev. Dwayne Dean and Rev. Mark Tharp officiating. Interment, with full military honors, will follow at Ft. Mitchell National Cemetery. The family will receive friends Thursday evening from 6:00 until 8:00 pm EST at the funeral home.

Mr. Gonzalez was born on February 14, 1937, in Buckeye, AZ, to the late Manuel Gonzalez and Herminia Jaramillo Gonzalez. He retired from the United States Army Airborne Division.  During his 22 year career he served in 2 campaigns in Vietnam, where he was awarded the Purple Heart.

Other than his parents he is preceded in death by a son Michael Gonzalez and 3 brothers.

 He is survived by his wife Jane Gonzalez; children, Antonia Marie Gonzalez of Arizona, Margie Nishimoto and husband Alan of California, Emily Hayden and husband Barry of Virginia and Manuel Gonzalez and wife Evelyn of Arizona; step-children, Bobby Austin and wife Beverly of Florida, Raymond Austin and Mona Gayle Presley, both of Alabama and Renee Robertson and husband Ron of Georgia; four sisters, Irene Gonzalez of California, Lucy Alvarez and husband Reymundo of Arizona, Mercy Perez and husband Richard of Arizona, Henrietta Salazar and husband Juan of Arizona; two brothers, Harold Gonzalez and wife Frances and Domingo Gonzalez and wife Mary Helen, all of Arizona; 17 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great-grandchild; many extended family members and caring friends.

Online condolences may be made at www.vancememorialchapel.net.