William Duque Gonzales, a veteran of World War II and longtime resident of San Antonio, Texas passed away on April 11, 2022. "Willie", as he was known to many in the area, was born in Sabinas, Mexico. Determined to help his parent's farm and his siblings, Willie became a US citizen and served in the Armed Forces. Willie was involved in the African-European conflict after the fall of the Third Reich. He demonstrated sharpness in engineering on air crafts and provided support for his fellow soldiers at the front. In addition, he was the only Hispanic in his brigade. He wrote letters home to his future wife, Mary, detailing the antics of his fellow soldiers, and a much edited description of the action he encountered as well as his promise to come home and marry her.

Willie also served 38 years at Kelly AFB-civil service. Willie didn't speak much about this moment or about his time in the Air Force, but he did proudly participate in The Thunderbird parades/shows with other veterans and was active in the VFW and later his church and weekly bingos.

Willie is preceded by his wife, Mary Isabel Gonzales and son William Gonzales Jr. He's survived by Helen and Robert Copeland (Daughter), Guadalupe Garcia (Daughter), Richard Gonzales Sr. (son) and Linda Ruiz, Daniel Gonzales (son) and Dolores Gonzales (Daughter). Willie and Mary had six children, 8 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Willie's intelligence, classy, and distinguished mannerisms will surely be missed.