John Palos Gonzales

John "Speedy" Gonzales passed away peacefully in his sleep on Monday November 17, 2025, at the age of 86. He was born on November 26, 1938, in Reedley, CA to Jose Avalos Gonzalez and Alejandra Palos. Speedy attended Kings River elementary school and graduated from Kingsburg High School. He enlisted in the National Guard on June 5, 1957, and was honorably discharged on June 6, 1960, as a Specialist Fourth Class E-4. He started working as a mechanic at Jim Ford Chevrolet - Oldsmobile dealership in Kingsburg; then Thornbury - Allen Chevrolet in Kingsburg; and finally at its renamed location, Liberty Chevrolet, in Selma, a career spanning 29 years. He had an undeniable dedication to family and friends, Speedy loved and cherished them deeply. His quick wit and boyish charm won over the hearts of many. He always provided a strong shoulder and kind words to brighten up the darkest of days. Speedy was an avid Raider Nation fan since the Oakland Raiders inception in 1960, and enjoyed going to games and watching them on television. He enjoyed traveling; camping; fishing; hunting; and in his later years "the casinos". You would be hard pressed not to run into him at any given time. Speedy was a proud Lecturing Knight at Elks Lodge 1450 and Worthy Chaplain at Fraternal Order of Eagles in Puyallup, Washington. He believed in Jesus and his promise of everlasting life with the promise of seeing our loved ones again in heaven. Speedy lived life to the fullest. He accepted all those for who they were and believed in. His dry sense of humor always seemed to create a smile, a laugh, and sometimes a cry. You always knew where you stood in his heart and made us all think of how to be a better person. He used to say "life is easy but we make it hard" when problems appeared to arduous to overcome and needing introspection. His end was unexpected and has left a void in many hearts. But in the end, another one of his sayings, "it's all about timing", created an opportunity for bettering oneself. John is survived by his son, John Gonzalez of Madera; daughter, Lisa Vaknine and her husband Erik of San Jose; grandsons Timothy and Thomas Yurgal. His brother's Jesse Gonzales; Henry Gonzales and his wife Janelle; his stepson's Anthony and Patrick Rocha of Fresno. He was proceeded in death by his wife Angelina Banuelos of Fresno and her daughter Phyllis Rocha. His siblings Andrea Salas and Luis; sister-in-law Pat Gonzales; Robert and Connie Gonzales; Victoria and Jim Roybal; Angie and David Tafoya; Sally and Albert Lopez; and Ruth Gonzalez. Viewing will be held from 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM Thursday, December 4th, 2025 at Salser & Dillard Creighton Chapel, 1588 Lincoln Street, Kingsburg with the Rosary beginning at 6:00 PM. Mass of Christian Burial services will be held at 10:00 AM Friday, December 5th, 2025 at Holy Family Catholic Church, 1275 Smith Street, Kingsburg immediately followed by interment at the Kingsburg Cemetery, 12782 E. Clarkson Avenue, Kingsburg. Services have been entrusted to Salser & Dillard Creighton Chapel. Memorial Tributes and condolences may be offered by logging onto www.salseranddillard.com.

John Palos Gonzales

November 26, 1938 - November 17, 2025