Jose Antonio “Tony” Gonzalez, 85, of Columbus died early July 14 2022.
Born in Cali, Colombia, Tony moved to the United States over fifty years ago, arriving in New York City in the early 1970s. After helping build the original World Trade Centers, Tony made his way across the country to Kansas City, Missouri in the mid-70s. It was in Kansas City where Tony met Ana Maria Rejas, whom he would marry on July 17th, 1976. Their marriage would last the rest of his life.
After becoming a United States citizen, Tony moved his oldest children, Martha Gonzalez and Jose Gonzalez, to the United States from Colombia in 1980. A few years later they were joined by Rosalia Gonzalez, Martin Gonzalez and Rodrigo Gonzalez. The family had finally reunited and grown to include three new children: Roxana Arias-Candillo, Bismark Gonzalez and Anahi Gonzalez.
Tony began his career with Ace Electric in 1973. His dedication to Ace Electric would lead him to Columbus in 1983 where he continued to work for Ace until retiring in 2003. Tony would remain a fixture in Columbus for the rest of his life. Whether he was hosting one of many family cookouts or getting involved in Columbus Youth Soccer as a coach, Tony brought joy to countless people in the nearly forty years he lived in Cherokee County.
Tony’s singular act of sacrifice fifty years ago has allowed all his children, 19 grandchildren and 10 greatgrandchildren to accomplish many incredible things. He did not know what he was getting himself into when he left Colombia for the United States, but he took a leap into the unknown because he wanted to make a better life for all who would follow. That alone takes a strong person and one of great faith.
Only wishing to see his family achieve great things and be happy, Tony’s wish came true again and again. For this and much more, his family is not only thankful but blessed to have known him.
Tony is survived by his wife Ana Maria Gonzalez of the home; four daughters: Anahi Gonzalez of Columbus, Roxana (Fred) Candillo of Overland Park, Martha Gonzalez and Rosalia Gonzalez both of Raytown, Mo.; four sons: Bismark (Sarah) Gonzalez of Pittsburg, Martin (Monica) Gonzalez of Kansas City, Mo., Rodrigo (Angie) Gonzalez of Lee’s Summit, Mo. and Jose Antonio (Jessica) Gonzalez of Indianapolis, Ind. Tony is also survived by Rosalia Carmona, former spouse, 19 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews.
Tony was preceded in death by his mother Ana Maria Gonzalez and brother Jose Reynaldo Gonzalez.
Memorial service will be 2 p.m. Saturday, July 23, at Bath-Naylor Funeral Home in Columbus. Reverend Jamie Tickel and Father Jerome Spexarth will officiate. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 1p.m. until service time Saturday. Burial will follow at Park Cemetery in Columbus. Donations can be made to the Columbus Rec. Commission to benefit the Columbus Youth Soccer League; these may be left at or mailed to the funeral home. Condolences may be left at www.bathnaylor. com. Services and arrangements are under the direction of Bath-Naylor Funeral Home 611 S. East Ave Columbus, KS.