Damian Gomez

On Thursday, Nov. 26, 2020, our Lord came to MCH’s Covid ICU, took Damian’s hand, removed the  intubation and said, ”You don’t need this anymore.  Take a deep breath, you’re going Home.”  Damian was born at Odessa’s Women’s & Children’s Hospital to Alvin Gomez & Martha Molina on October 4, 1976.

He attended Gonzales Elementary, Nimitz Jr. High; &, was a 1995 Permian graduate. He enrolled at UTPB but his education was cut short due to testicular cancer. Upon his recovery, he enjoyed visiting the high schools with Dr. Joseph Kaczor & give testimony about his cancer experience & stress the importance of self-evaluation.  As such, he documented his Covid journey on FB and pleaded to all who read his postings to observe CDC regulations and not to discount or take the virus lightly.

In his short time on earth, Damian lived life to the fullest.  He was blessed with an infectious laugh, a booming voice, “take-your-breath-away” bear hugs, the most loving & caring of hearts, an insurmountable number of friends, & family that adored & and unconditionally loved him.  He was a ‘yellow-dog Democrat” and celebrated with gusto, Biden’s win.  He was extremely proud of his Spanish, Apache, & Mexican heritage & was disappointed he couldn’t trace his Apache roots—though he knew for a fact that we were probably related to Geronimo. Often when meeting someone for the first time, just as his paternal grandfather would do, he would ask about their parentage. He would then call his Nina to find out if perhaps they were related; &, if so, would immediately take a “selfie” with his new-found relative. Sometimes, to his dismay, that “hot girl” he had just met, was related.  His friends would often tease him about being ‘related to everybody, everywhere!” As Damian would say: “El Vato ‘ta Bad!”

His love of family is “documented” in pictures and videos.  He loved barbecuing with his Dad and his brother Fabian, or just by himself, for friends & family. He loved bragging that no one could cook brisket like his dad and that his Dad had the Championship Trophies as proof.  He adored his daughter Lexi, his grandchild, Nevaeh; and, his “miracle child” Donovan. Nothing brought more joy to his life than his children. Lexi’s pursuit of a bachelor’s degree and Donovan enrolled in a “Gifted” program was a source of pride.  His “little piece of Heaven,” grand-daughter Nevaeh, brought insurmountable joy to his life, as did his beloved older sons: Austin and Jeffrey “Yeffrey” Sweet.  His recent marriage added to the family and he couldn’t be prouder of “ALL HIS kids and grandkids!”  Most of all he loved the Lord.  St. Francis of Assisi was his grandfather’s patron saint, so it became his favorite saint. His Aunt Katie, his first-to-go-to Prayer Warrior, would often quote scripture to him—especially during those times when he was hospitalized—so some of her favorite scriptures, became his favorite—especially: “God didn’t give me a spirit of fear but a power of love and a sound mind.”   & “I can do all things with Christ who strengthens me.”

Damian was a die-hard Cowboy, Mojo & Longhorn Fan.  He was elated that, Michele & his ‘favorite brother-in-law & Compadre, Byron, lived in Arlington—“right around the corner” from THE Stadium! An extra bonus was not having to rent a hotel room when he took Donovan to 6 Flags!  He loved listening to music-the louder the better. And, though he tried, he couldn’t carry a tune.  He loved to brag about his mother’s singing voice and enjoyed posting on FB, videos of her singing.  Debra soon learned to watch with him all the George Lopez, Friday Night Lights, Blackish, and so many other TV show reruns, over & over again.  He relished being spoiled by his “second mother – his beloved Nina.”  Best of all, he said his life became complete when he found what he knew would become his lifetime partner: Debra Vasquez. Once married, he said she made him feel as if he could conquer the world; and, most of all, having the love he gave returned one thousand-fold. He felt so blessed that her family had accepted him and treated him like royalty.  FAMILY – that was the magic word for him.  FAMILY UNITY. And, as a family man, he wanted to provide his beloved wife with everything he could give.   He had plans to take her to NY and Colorado and anywhere she had never been before.  He wanted nothing more than to make her happy and to spend the rest of his life with her.  Their first anniversary was celebrated on October 5, 2020.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents Francisco & Andrea Gomez and Jesus & Eloisa Molina; and, his uncles Benito Molina and Jesse Villesca; and, Josh Batte, his best friend.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Debra; Daughter Alexis Jade, sons, Donovan, Austin and Jeffrey; his father, Alvin (Rebecca) Gomez; his mother, Martha (Johnny) Alvarado; his ‘second mother,’ his “Nina,” Vickie Gomez; sister, Michele (Byron) Rachal (Arlington, TX); Brother: Fabian (Gracie) Gomez (Odessa) & nieces, Katelynn, Krystal & Abby and nephews Dylan & Dorian. Step-daughters: Breanna (Jack) Gonzalez & Brittni  (Dustin) Forehand, Step-son: Bryan (Laurie) Calderon;  Step-brothers:  Gilbert Dominguez (San Antonio), & Tommy Dominguez (Santa Fe, NM) & Johnny Alvarado, Jr.; and, grandkids: Nevaeh, Zairy, Roman, & Chloe.  Aunts, Katie Villesca (Pecos) & Sylbia Molina (NM); Uncles: Frank (Laura) Gomez, Fred (Yolanda) Sotelo (Buda, TX),  Ruben (BeryLou) Molina,& Benjamin (Grisel) Molina (McCamey), Ismael (Stella) Dominguez (Gunnison, CO); Special cousins: , Charlie (Michelle) Dominguez (Denver, CO); Marisa Reschman (Frisco), Jerra Villesca (Pecos), Janna Natividad (Ft. Hood) &  Zach Gomez (Richardson)

Active pallbearers: Ben Peña, Steven Ramirez, Rory Couch, Austin Sweet, Jeffery Sweet & Bryan Calderon.  Honorary pallbearers: Byron Rachal, Omero Carrasco,  Steve Tercero, Jay Hendricks, Keith Thompson, Sr., Keith Thompson, Jr., John Molina, Sem Solis, Dustin Forehand, and Jack Gonzales

The family acknowledges Fr. Bernardito Gautigan for performing the Anointing of the Sick and Deacon Bobby & Candle Wright for praying for and with him; & all his Covid Care providers. Blessings to all family, friends and all of Damian’s friends for their generous donations, calls, visits, food, prayers and most of all for their friendship & caring for our beloved Damian.

Viewing will be from 1 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Rosary will be prayed on Monday, Dec. 7 at 7 p.m. at Martinez Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be officiated by Fr. Mark Woodruff at St. Elizabeth Seton in Odessa, on Tuesday, December 8 at 10 am; Internment will follow at Ector County Cemetery.  Masks & Social Distancing are MANDATORY at the church and at the cemetery.

#Day20WithCovid
Been up since 11:45 P.M.  Breathing is slowly improving. My losing my breath will be one of my short/long-term effects. Anyway, I'm not exhausted, but drained. Guys wear your mask, wash your hands and stay away from large crowds. Goodness, it's not the end of the world to follow such easy precautions! Be safe, love yourself and live.
I love ya'll.

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