Gonzalo Robles Diaz

Gonzalo Robles Diaz, our loving father, was peacefully called by our Lord and our Savior to join him in everlasting life on Thursday, Jan. 13.

“Chalo”, as he was known by everyone, was born on June 17, 1937, in Vallecillo, Nuevo Leon, Mexico, to Virginia Robles and Gonzalo Diaz.

Not much is known about his early years growing up in Mexico, but one thing we do know is that is where he learned to play the piano. He played beautifully, and when he moved to Texas, his playing and good looks caught the eye of a lovely lady named Josephine. After a short courtship, they married on December 6, 1966, and started a family right away.

One of his proudest moments, after the birth of his children, was when he became a U.S. citizen on August 22, 1991.

Over the years, Chalo worked at Brentex Mills and then at Timco Industries until they closed their doors. However, his true talent came when he started working at Tex-Tan Leather industries in Yoakum. His craft and reputation preceded him, and he was asked by Tod Slone himself to come work for him creating one-of-a-kind rodeo competition and championship saddles. During his time working at Tod Slone Saddles, he created many beautiful, intricate saddles that are now all over the U.S. He worked there until his retirement.

That wasn’t the end of his handy work. He continued by building planters, birdhouses, wind chimes, and many, many toys for his grandchildren.

He was a loving husband and father, but nothing brought him greater joy than his grandchildren.

A devout Catholic, he was a kind-hearted, soft-spoken man that could light up your day with his smile. He will be remembered by his family as a piano playing, expert whistling, naughty joke-telling, Happy Meal treat sneaking father and grandfather.

Chalo leaves a hole in the hearts of his daughter, Diana, namesake Gonzalo and his wife Ronii, step-daughter Nicole Sertuche, and three grandchildren Christopher, Ariana, and his partner in crime, Matthew.

He is preceded in death by his parents; loving wife of 48 years, Josephine Cervantes Diaz; sisters, Lydia Diaz Hinojosa, Gloria Irma Diaz Gonzales and Nora Diaz; brothers Jose Rogelio Diaz, Ovidio Robles Diaz, Gustavo Robles Diaz and Carlos Robles Diaz.

Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 21, at Freund Funeral Home with a rosary recited at 6:30 p.m. Funeral mass will be held Saturday, Jan. 22, at 12 p.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Cuero. Interment will follow at San Pedro Cemetery in Concrete.

You may sign the guest book or send condolences at www.freundfuneralhome.com.

Freund Funeral Home, 361-275-2343.