Daniel Penilla Gonzales, beloved father, brother, and Popo, passed away on August 19, 2025, just three days shy of his 81st birthday. He was born on August 22, 1944, in Live Oak County in Nell, Texas, to Alfredo Gonzales and Maria Penilla.
Daniel provided for his family as a farmer for over 45 years. He was an avid fisherman, a die-hard Texas Tech fan, and loved casino road trips. He enjoyed eating out anywhere he could order a good burger, an occasional beer, or a Coca-Cola. Daniel instilled the importance of education in his children and supported all four to obtain college degrees.
He valued education so much that he established a memorial scholarship at Ropes High School in his wife’s name. The Yolanda Gonzales Memorial Scholarship has helped students in his community attend college for over a decade. It will now become the Daniel & Yolanda Gonzales Memorial Scholarship.
Daniel was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Yolanda; his parents, Alfredo and Maria Gonzales; his brothers, Abel and Gabriel Gonzales; and his son-inlaw, Thomas Myrick. His children survive him: Robert (Rebecca) Gonzales of Ropesville, Noel Gonzales of Lubbock, Esther Myrick of Lubbock, and Evaleen Gonzales of Ropesville; his grandchildren, Ty (Stephenie) Gonzales of Crane, Taylor Gonzales of Lubbock, and Samara Gonzales of Ropesville, as well as his great-grandchildren, Rosellen, Lukas, Joel, Evie, Skyleigh, Xyler, Alyssa, Tristen, Klaire, Brooke, and Kinzie; his sisters, Adela Cruz and Rafaela (Rey)Ochoa, both of Levelland.
Guests were invited to join the family at Lake Ridge Chapel and Memorial Designers on August 24, 2025, from 5 pm to 7 pm for a visitation, that allowed all who knew him to share stories and reflect on the impact that Daniel had in their lives. A rosary followed from 7 pm to 8 pm. A Celebration of Life took place at Lake Ridge Chapel and Memorial Designers at 2:00 PM on Monday, August 25, 2025. Please visit www.memorialdesigners.net for service streaming and a place to share memories of Mr. Gonzales with his family. We will gather at Ropesville Cemetery at 3:30 pm for a graveside service to pay our final respects.
The family would like to especially thank Teresa Cruz, his niece, who cared for him as her own father. They would also like to thank Hospice of the South Plains for their support, encouragement, and love shown through this journey but especially Andrea Hernandez and Manuela Robinson. Their patience, empathy, and compassion for Daniel and the family will be forever cherished. Daniel,s legacy of love, humor, and generosity will live on in the hearts of those he leaves behind. He will be deeply missed but fondly remembered.
DANIEL GONZALES