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GONZALES -- Stephen (Estevan) Gonzales, 98, died peacefully Monday, November 9, 2009 surrounded by family. He was preceded in death by his wife of 72 years, Beulah Lucero Gonzales; nine brothers; and one sister. He is survived by his daughter, Diana Quintana of Albuquerque; and grandchildren, Marla Tiers of Phoenix, AZ and husband, Mike, Karen Barreras of Albuquerque and husband, Jaimey, Kim Samson of Phoenix, AZ and husband, Dale Jr., and Roland Quintana of Albuquerque and wife, Denise. Steve was blessed with four great-grandchildren and two step-great-grandchildren along with numerous nieces and nephews. Born in Tijeras, NM in 1911, Steve studied the art of barbering as a young adult. He worked his way up to Manager of the Hilton Hotel Barber Shop in downtown Albuquerque. From there he went on to open a few barber shops of his own where he continued to cut hair well into his 80's. Throughout his entire career, he would use his spare time to volunteer at several nursing homes around Albuquerque providing free haircuts for the residents. He kept a list of those whose hair he cut so he would make sure to remember their names when he returned. Steve was drafted into the Army in 1943 and proudly served as a gun crewman in World War II in Middle Europe until his honorable discharge in 1946. He was awarded several military service medals. His commanding officers called upon Steve to serve as the barber for his unit and he did so with pride. He often shared stories of his military service with his family and was honored to have served his country. Steve was an active member of St. Anne's Catholic Church, serving as an Usher for over 50 years and was an active member of the Knights of Columbus until his death. Steve and his family are indebted to Maria and Armenia for making his and Beulah's later years so enjoyable and comfortable. Thank you for your care and compassion. A funeral mass is planned for Friday, November 13, 2009, 9:00 a.m., at St. Anne's Catholic Church, 1400 Arenal Rd. SW with Father Anthony Bolman, Celebrant. Interment will follow at San Jose de Armijo Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Maurilio Ruz, Jos Tovar, Dale Samson, Jr., Jaimey Barreras, Lolo Chavez and Blaine Clarke. Honorary Pallbearers are Mike Tiers, Reed Clarke and Roland Quintana. Please visit our online guestbook for Steve at www.RememberTheirStory.com French 1111 University Blvd. NE (505) 843-6333
        Published on: Fri November 13, 2009