John Thomas Gomez Sr.  
December 21, 1931 - February 21, 2010

Elmwood Funeral Home & Memorial Park 5750 Hwy 277 South Abilene, TX 79601 Map to Funeral Home Elmwood Funeral Home 5750 HWY 277 South Abilene ,  TX 79606 2/23/2010 from 6:00 PM Map to Funeral Home Rosary Elmwood Funeral Home Chapel 5750 HWY 277 South Abilene ,  TX 79606 2/23/2010 at 7:00 PM Map to Funeral Home Funeral Mass Holy Family Catholic Church 5410 Buffalo Gap Road Abilene ,  TX 79606 2/24/2010 at 10:00 AM Map to Funeral Home Elmwood Memorial Park 5750 HWY 277 South Abilene, TX 79606 Map to Funeral Home

John T. Gomez Sr., 78, passed away on Sunday, February 21, 2010 at a local hospital in Abilene. His funeral service will be 10:00 AM on Wednesday, February 24, 2010 at Holy Family Catholic Church, 5410 Buffalo Gap Road Abilene, TX. Visitation will be 6:00 PM on Tuesday, February 23, 2010 with a Rosary Service beginning at 7:00 PM at Elmwood Funeral Home, 5750 Hwy 277 South.

John was born on December 21, 1931 in Newton, Kansas to Antonio and Irene Gomez. He spent his childhood and graduated from high school in Newton. In 1952 he enlisted in the United States Air Force where he continued to serve for the next 23 years. He married Mary Casillas on June 21, 1956 in Victoria, TX. They spent the next 19 years stationed in various locations as he dedicated his life to the service of our country. He was stationed in Korea as he served during the Korean War and also served two tours during the Vietnam War being stationed in Thailand and then Laos. They relocated to Abilene in 1970. After his retirement from the Air Force in 1975, he worked for Wal-Mart and then McMurry University. He was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church. He liked watching sports and enjoyed taking walks.

John is survived by his wife of 53 years, Mary C. Gomez; his three children, Tanya Valdez and husband Carlos of Abilene, John Gomez and wife Sandy of Lubbock, Gregg Gomez of Abilene; eight grandchildren, Brianne Baack, Brittany Baack, Tara Gomez, Gregory Gomez, Bryman Gomez, Cory Faust, Melissa Faust, Taylor Nelson; eight great-grandchildren; one sister, Julia Pina; five brothers, Magdaleno Gomez, Lou Gomez, Gregory Gomez, Ralph Gomez, Antonio Gomez; and several nephews nieces and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and one sister, Nancy Oropeza.