Mr. Steve Joseph Gonzales I

Steve Joseph Gonzales I, 68, of Conway, Arkansas, passed away unexpectedly at his home on May 16, 2026. Born on July 19, 1957, in Hermondale, Missouri, Steve was raised in Steele, Missouri, where he developed the strong work ethic and core values that would define his entire life. Steve was the kind of man people naturally gravitated toward. With his unforgettable grin, quick wit, smooth-talking charm, and larger-than-life personality, he never met a stranger. If someone was walking down the road, Steve would stop and pick them up. If someone needed help, he gave it. He had a way of making people feel comfortable, welcome, and important. To know Steve was to have a story about him — usually one that involved laughter. After high school, Steve became a business owner, founding Gonzales’ Carpet in Blytheville, Arkansas. Later, he worked for many years at Nucor-Yamato Steel, where coworkers remember him fondly for his humor, positive attitude, and the joy he brought to the workplace. No matter where life took him, Steve was always a hardworking provider. Taking care of his family was never just a responsibility to him — it was who he was. He loved the outdoors, especially hunting and fishing, but what mattered most to Steve was his family. He worked hard because he loved hard. He was the kind of man who always tried to make life a little better for the people he cared about. Steve adored his mother, Effie Adair, and carried that love and respect for family throughout his life. In recent years, his family often laughed because he watched Bonanza over and over again, but the truth was, Steve loved the wholesome values the show represented. Loyalty, strength, family, and doing what was right meant something to him. Those same values were woven into the way he lived his own life. One of the greatest blessings of Steve’s life was his marriage to the love of his life, Burla Renia Gonzales. Together they shared 21 years of love before her passing in 2019, a loss he carried deeply. Steve was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Burla Renia Gonzales; his daughter, Stephanie Southern; his mother, Effie Adair; his sister, Beverly Gonzales; and his father, José Gonzales, whom he never had the chance to know. Left to cherish his memory are his children, Brooke Gonzales Lewis and husband Stuart of Conway, Arkansas; Jennifer Green and husband Jason of Bell Buckle, Tennessee; Joey Gonzales and wife Sarah of Manila, Arkansas; and son in law Timothy Southern of Gosnell, Arkansas. He also leaves behind the pride and joy of his life — his grandchildren: Gaven Gonzales, Graceleigh Bates, Grayson Lewis, Annzlee Lewis, Jenna Gonzales, Kynleigh Gonzales, Parker Gonzales and wife Darcy, Gabe Gonzales, Ryce Gonzales, Kaitlyn Southern, and Jaycie Southern. He is also survived by his sisters, Pamela Luttrull and James Baker Jr. of Blytheville, Arkansas, and Paula Hunt of West Virginia. Steve also leaves behind a large and loving extended family that he treasured deeply throughout his life. Among those left to cherish his memory are Uncle Dan and Aunt Shirley Adair, Uncle Cruz Gonzales, Uncle Mercede Gonzales, Aunt Mary Valdez, Uncle Doyle and Aunt Betty Sue Carpenter, Aunt Ruby Vanderight and family, Aunt Earlene West, along with many cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends whom he loved very much. Steve held a special place in his heart for his nieces and nephews, including Shawn Fulks; Michelle and Chad Curry and children Sloan and Wren; Crissy and Mike Markwas and children; and Tori and Ty Hamilton and children. The love they shared, the memories they made, and the laughter between them will forever remain a cherished part of his story. The family would also like to extend heartfelt gratitude to Felicia “Lisa” Minor for the love, care, kindness, and dedication she showed Steve over the last several years. Her patience, compassion, and unwavering support meant more to him and the family than words can express. Steve Gonzales was truly one of a kind — hardworking, funny, compassionate, stubborn, charming, and full of life. He leaves behind a lifetime of memories, stories that will be retold for generations, and a family who loved him deeply. Though his absence leaves an immeasurable void, the love he gave so freely will continue to live on in every life he touched. A memorial service honoring the life of Steve Joseph Gonzales I will be held on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Ruddle Road Church of God in Blytheville, Arkansas with Brother Pankey officiating. Tri-City Crematory Funeral Home is honored and privileged to serve the Gonzales family. Expressions of sympathy and condolences may be shared at www.tri-cityllc.com

Mr. Steve Joseph Gonzales I

July 19, 1957 - May 16, 2026