Ishmael Holguin Gonzales

Ishmael H. Gonzales, aged 89, of Odessa, Texas, passed away Tuesday afternoon, November 18, 2025, of natural causes at home. Ishmael was born October 1, 1936, to Adolfo and Maria Gonzales in Marfa, Texas. Ishmael was preceded by death, parents Adolfo and Maria Gonzales; all 12 of older siblings including, his sisters, Natalia Gonzales Quiroz, Lorina Gonzales Tercero; his firstborn Grandson C. Christopher Garcia (The Captain).

Ishmael is survived by his loving wife Mary Vasquez Gonzales and daughter Natalia (Natalie) Gonzales Guthrie and her husband W. Brian Guthrie, Ishmael Vasquez Gonzales and his wife Kristi and John Paul Gonzales and his wife Kristen. Ishmael has two Granddaughters: Jennie Marie Gonzales and Lily Sofia Gonzales. His Great Grandsons are Marcos Cristobal Garcia and his wife Hanna, Mario Cesar Garcia and his girlfriend Julieanna Aguilera and Christopher Ignatius Garcia.

Ishmael and Mary were married on June 26, 1960, in Fort Stockton, Texas, Mary’s hometown. They were married for 65 years and raised their family in Odessa, Texas. Ishmael graduated from Odessa High School.

Ishmael worked for El Paso Products and continued his employment with Huntsman after the buyout. He worked for a total of 43 years. He was involved with the Knights of Columbus at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church. He used to love playing the piano, accordion and singing. He was artistic in many areas of life. He built his home from the ground up including wiring and plumbing in West Odessa. Ishmael was a very intelligent man. He enjoyed talking to anyone like he knew them for years. He loved his family and friends.

Viewing will be on Monday, November 24, 2025, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm and Tuesday, November 25, 2025, from 9:00 am to 12:30 pm at Sunset Memorial Gardens and Funeral Home 6601 E. Business 20, Odessa, Texas. Rosary prayers will be given by Alvesa Davila on Monday, November 24, 2025, 7:00 pm at Sunset Memorial Funeral Home at the Same address for viewing.

The funeral service will be Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at 1:00 pm at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church located on 7601 Grandview Ave. Odessa, Texas with Father Francis Onyekozuru officiating the service. Ishmael will be placed in his final resting place at Sunset Memorial Gardens and Funeral Home located on 6601 E. Business 20, Odessa, Texas. Please note there will be no police escort provided to Church or burial grounds.

The Pallbearers will be W. Brian Guthrie, John Paul Gonzales, Marcos Cristobal Garcia, Mario Cesar Garcia, Gilbert Christopher Davila, and Gabriel Craig Davila with Father Francis Onyekozuru as officiant.

The Gonzales family would like to thank Ivonne Moreno and her staff at Cornerstone Caregiving; Kimm Duncan with Inhabit and Hospice of Midland for all their care and compassion for Ishmael.

Please visit Ishmael’s online guest book at www.sunsetodessa.com to leave a memory, or condolence for his family. Funeral arrangement assistance by Sunset Memorial Gardens and Funeral Home, located at 6601 E. Business 20, Odessa, Texas 79762. Phone number 432-362-2331.