Miguel Andrade Gonzalez
October 2, 1939 – June 13, 2025

With profound sorrow and deep reverence, we celebrate the remarkable life of Miguel Andrade Gonzalez, a devoted husband, cherished father, proud grandfather and great-grandfather, and a true gentleman whose heart was as generous as it was unwavering. Miguel was born on October 2, 1939, in Mexico, where the seeds of his resilient spirit and boundless compassion first took root.

Miguel's journey was shaped by both hardship and love. At just twelve years old, the untimely loss of his father required him to step into the role of a caretaker far before his time. With courage far beyond his years, he helped raise his younger siblings, setting aside his own childhood dreams and education in order to shoulder the responsibilities of manhood. That early sacrifice would come to define his character: selfless, loyal, and unshakably devoted to family.

Though life asked much of Miguel, it also gifted him with the soul of an artist. He was born into a musically gifted family, and from an early age he was surrounded by the heartfelt rhythms and passionate melodies of mariachi. He himself played the vihuela, the heart of the mariachi's rhythm section—a small Spanish guitar with a big, bright soul. With his siblings and loved ones, he formed a family mariachi band that performed in palenque arenas—the spirited cockfighting rings of Jalisco where tradition and music came alive. Their performances weren't just entertainment; they were declarations of culture, passion, and identity.

In his mid-thirties, Miguel immigrated to Chicago, Illinois, seeking not only opportunity but a new chapter. There he met the love of his life, Irma, with whom he would share a bond of nearly five decades. In 1977, they were wed, and their love would become a sanctuary that weathered every season.

In 1980, Miguel and Irma moved west to Oxnard, California, where Miguel became a farm worker, laboring under the vast skies from sunrise to sunset. He toiled in the fields for over a decade—his back to the sun, his hands deep in the soil—so that his children might have the education and opportunities he had once been forced to forgo. His labor was not just a livelihood, it was a gift to his family and a testament to his enduring work ethic and quiet strength.

In 1994, the family relocated to Fort Worth, Texas, and eventually, Miguel found his forever home in Azle, Texas, a small town that claimed his heart. For over a decade, Azle embraced him, and he embraced it back—its people, its rhythm, and its peace. He was known throughout the community for his kind and humble nature, his willingness to help others, and his heart that beat not just for his own, but for all.

Miguel was the kind of man who would give a stranger the shirt off his back without hesitation. He was deeply principled, raising his children with unwavering morals and integrity. He didn't speak loudly, but the volume of his love was immeasurable. To his family, he was a rock—a constant presence of love, discipline, and warmth. He believed in doing right by others, and he lived every day guided by a strong and steady moral compass.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Irma Gonzalez; his daughters, Perla Velasquez, Martha Andrade, and Luz Andrade; and his sons, Michael Gonzalez and Miguel Andrade. His legacy continues through his 18 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren, each of whom carries a piece of his spirit, his strength, and his love.

Miguel is now reunited in eternal peace with his beloved parents, Domingo Andrade and Otilia Gonzalez, and his three cherished sons: Ramon Andrade, Jesus Andrade, and Jose Andrade, whose memories remain treasured by all who knew them.

A funeral service honoring Miguel's life will be held on Friday, June 20, 2025, at the Azle Chapel on the grounds of Azleland Cemetery. Visitation will begin at 1:00 PM, followed by a heartfelt service in the chapel, and concluding with a committal at Azleland Cemetery, where he will be laid to rest among the quiet hills of the town he so deeply loved.

Though Miguel Andrade Gonzalez's hands have now been stilled and his song has gently faded into the wind, the echo of his love, his music, and his sacrifice will forever ring in the hearts of his family and all who had the privilege to know him. He was, and will always be, a man of substance—humble in demeanor, mighty in heart, and unforgettable in presence.

May his soul rest in everlasting peace.