John Allen Gonzalez

John “Allen” Gonzalez was born on September 20, 1972, to Johnny and Linda Gonzalez. On September 13, 2013, Allen passed away, surrounded by loving family and friends. His family takes great comfort in the fact that he was an organ donor, and he will continue to live on through each recipient. Allen was preceded in death by his father Johnny, and his sister Angela (who died before birth). He is survived by: his mother, Linda Gonzalez; sisters, Tyra Langley and Marcy Hardgrave; children, Gabriella and Kai; nephew, Tanner Langley; and three nieces, Tabatha Mullins, Brittany Dixon and Courtnee Dixon. A talented athlete, Allen played defensive lineman for the Jenks Trojans. His athletic and academic accomplishments led to a scholarship at Stanford University where he also played defensive lineman. Allen graduated from Stanford with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Urban Studies on April 4, 1996. He stayed in the Bay Area for several years afterwards, and enjoyed his friends as well as the variety of culture, art and food there before moving back to Tulsa three years ago to be closer to his family. He made his living as a financial advisor with Edward Jones, and was known for being thoughtful and thorough with each of his clients. Without question, Allen’s greatest joys were his children Gabby and Kai. It was not uncommon for him to come straight from work to help coach Kai at baseball in the Oklahoma heat still wearing his suit. He loved books, and passed that passion on to his kids. He was unashamedly affectionate with them, and loved to tell stories about their latest adventures. Allen enjoyed culinary experiences of all types: cooking, baking and trying out new recipes. His buttermilk pancakes were legendary. He was frequently found with his loving friend, Kristin Lasater, looking for new places in Tulsa to eat – anything from fine dining to a taco truck. Although he certainly had earned bragging rights from his athletic and academic achievements, he never talked about them, except in a joking manner, or drew attention to himself in any way. Instead, Allen was warm, fun, self-deprecating, polite, and always ready with a laugh, smile or kind word. He laughed often, and when he did, his giant shoulders would shake, his eyes would twinkle, and his smile would light up the room. As a world traveler, Allen enjoyed the architecture in Australia; skiing in Switzerland; and hiking and camping trips in the deserts and forests. He was an avid cyclist, and loved seeing Tulsa Tough this year. His main sport to watch, of course, was football. He listened to sports talk every morning, calling it his “man news.” He joked that he was like a kid on Christmas morning when College Game Day aired at the beginning of each season. He treasured his friends and family, and spent most of his free time with them. He enjoyed talking politics, books, and current events with his mother, Linda; shared his love of adventure with nephew Tanner, and was incredibly close to his beloved sister and best friend, Tyra. Now he is in God’s presence with his father, Johnny. Viewing will be at Fitzgerald’s Southwood Chapel from 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 19. Family will be present from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. and 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Friends and relatives are invited to attend his service at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, September 20, 2013 (his 41st birthday) at Boston Avenue Methodist church. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations made out to “The Gonzalez Family Trust.” The address for contributions is Pollard Law Office, PO Box 4494, Tulsa, OK 74159. Fitzgerald Southwood Colonial Chapel, 918-291-3500.

John Allen Gonzalez

September 20, 1972 - September 13, 2013