Manuel C. Gonzalez Jr., age 92, died peacefully at home in Cuero, Texas, on February 23, 2012. Manuel was born May 25, 1919 in Clinton, Texas, to Mr. and Mrs. Manuel Gonzalez Sr. Manuel served in the 2nd Armored Division "Hell on Wheels" of the United States Army during World War II as a Tank Commander until 1945 attaining the rank of Sergeant. On March 27, 1961, he married Delia M. Cervantes of Cuero. Manuel and Delia owned and operated Manuel's Restaurant in Cuero for many years until retiring in 1995. Manuel will be especially remembered for the great care he took in planting and raising flowers and plants.

He is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Delia, and by his 11 children: Dorothy Gonzalez, Marie Gonzalez Santiago, Rosie Johnson (Bob), Alva Pena (David Jackson), Terrie Mutschler, Sharon Oehlke, Lisa Hinojosa (Jerry), Corina Westfahl (Jeff), Veronica Gonzalez, Manuel C. Gonzalez III (Crystal) and Christopher Gonzalez (Teresa). He is also survived by brothers, Joe and Richard Gonzalez; sisters, Hortense Moya, Ophelia Coggins, and Mary Fox; 14 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters, Minnie and Teresa, brother, Pete and grandson Bobby Anzualda.

A memorial service will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 28, 2012, at Freund Funeral Home in Cuero, Texas officiated by Mr. Glenn Moore.

Memorial contributions are welcome at Hospice of South Texas in Victoria, Texas.

A special thanks to Dr. Jennifer Gonzalez, M.D. and the staff at Hospice of South Texas for their compassion, help, and support.

Freund Funeral Home, 361.275.2343.