George Gobea

George Perez Gobea was born Gregorio Perez Gobea to Guadalupe and Luz Perez Gobea on March 12,1937, in Marlin, TX. At a young age, they relocated to East Waco to be with his maternal grandparents. He often said he began working at the age of 6 in his grandfather’s wood yard on Elm Street delivery wood to Papa Tony DiMaria, Jaspers, and other establishments along the way. He attended Waco schools and it was during this time, his teachers changed his name to George because they could not say Gregorio. As he grew older, he left school to help his family financially. He completed his high school education later. He served in the National Guard and attended classes at McLennan Community College.

He worked for the City of Waco for over 30 years and served on several boards and committees in the city of Waco. They were: The Waco Vision 2020 Commission, The Housing Authority Commission, The Democratic Chair of his precinct, The Urban Committee Development, Southwest Waco Ward Board, The Advisory Community Development Commission, The Citizens Committee on Consolidation for WISD, Member of The Alliance for Mexican Americans, The University Neighborhood Association, The McLennan County Grand Jury as a Grand juror and commissioner, a founding member of AMISTAD. He also was an integral member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church that helped ensure all debt was paid for the church in 1971 and continued to help the church throughout the years as the parish continued to prosper and grow. He attended St Francis on the Brazos “his home church” and raised funds for the restoration of the murals by selling engraved memorial bricks. Lastly, my dad will be remembered by his character, work ethic and his political stance.

In 1961 He met Pauline Rosas who he would marry on November 3, 1962. From this union was born Reuben, Patricia (Chata), twins Wilbert and Gilbert. They were married for 43 years. He was preceded in death by his wife and 3 sons, and sister, Emma Montoya, and brother, Guadalupe (Lupe) Gobea.

He is survived by his daughter Patricia Gobea, grandchildren: Charity (Porfirio) Hernandez, Bianca Tagle, Daniel Tagle Jr, and Deanna (Victor) Ruiz. Great grandchildren: Raymundo Delgado, Gimena, Danycia, Jerardo, Porfirio, and Elias Hernandez; Josefina Cardona; Daniel Tagle III; Ian Mendez, Natalie, Elena, Victor Jr, and Aaliyah Ruiz.; and sister, Rosa Vidauri and husband Joe..
Pallbearers are: Raymundo Delgado, Chris Huerta, Adam Moreno, JR Marquez, Gumaro Rodriguez, Albert Lopez, Israel Torres. Honorary Pallbearers: Gary Rosas, Aurelio Garcia and Tony Garza