Norman Julian Gonzales, age 74, passed away on Friday, August 3, 2018, at his home in Lompoc, California.

Norman was born the only son to Maria Concepcion Simental and Julian Medina Gonzales on January 7, 1944, in Lompoc, California. Norman loved his hometown and often referred to it as "GOD'S COUNTRY".

In his younger years, Norman worked for his Father "Spike" at the Seaside Gas Station on Ocean Avenue in Lompoc.

At the age of 21, Norman was drafted into the United States Army and at the completion of Boot Camp, was sent to Vietnam with the 25th Infantry Division, where he served as a Rifleman in the 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry. At the completion of his tour of duty, Norman was awarded the following medals: Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, National Defense Service Medal and the Combat Infantryman Badge. He served two years with distinction in the United States Army earning the rank of SP4 prior to his Ending Time of Service (ETS). The discipline and patriotism he learned in the Army never left him, as family and friends will attest. He was extremely proud of his service to his country.

Following his service to the United States Army, Norman worked at McGraw's Chevron on College and H Street, as well as Santa Ynez Floor Covering and Oliveira's Fashion Floors. He retired after 35 years of installing flooring across the United States and all over Santa Barbara County.

Norman also became part of another family when he joined the Local Chapter of the original Vikings Motorcycle Club established in the 1960s, where he formed a bond of lifelong Brothers throughout California.

Being a self-proclaimed expert on anything with wheels and an engine, Norman had a deep passion for cars and Harley's. Including his own 1950 Harley Panhead. The latest addition to his unique collection was a 1919 Ford Model A Roadster. He specifically took great pride in his work to customize his 1954 Chevy Bel Aire, in efforts to make it nothing short of perfect, which paid off as it has been featured in several articles, car shows and world-renowned magazines, not to mention the numerous elite trophies and awards he acquired. He will be missed by his fellow car enthusiasts as well as his lifelong friend, Ralphie Vargas.

When Norman wasn't attending a classic car show or hot rod event, you could always find him attending his grandchildren's sporting events and dance recitals. Norman was a devoted father and grandfather; his family meant the universe to him.

Norman is survived by his daughter, Geraldine (Jimmy) of Lompoc, son Eddie (Michelle) of Fort Worth, Texas, former spouse; Julie Rachelle Brown of Lompoc, seven grandchildren; David, Jessica and Analise all of Lompoc, Kaitlin, Eddie Jr., Victoria and Tomas of Fort Worth Texas and one great-grandson; Adam Louis Jr. of Fort Worth, Texas. Two sisters; Estella Byrd of Lompoc and Dora Ruzicka of Goleta, adopted niece; Lupe Terrones of Lompoc and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents- Julian and Maria Concepcion Gonzales, siblings Mary Helen Gonzales (sister), Natalia Melendez-Hermosillo (sister) and M. Tony Perez (brother).

Services will be held this Friday, August 17, 2018 at 11:00am at Starbuck Lind Mortuary, 123 North A Street in Lompoc. Pall Bearers assisting in the services will be: Jimmy, Eddie, David, Eddie Michael, Tomas, Chris, Ray & Joseph. Burial to be followed at Lompoc Cemetery with a reception in his memory at the Lompoc Veterans Memorial Building, (banquet room), 100 E. Locust Avenue, Lompoc, immediately following burial services.