Tony Gonzalez, 97, died Aug. 16, 2006, at his home, Hutchinson.

He was born Aug. 18, 1908, in Mexico City, Mexico, the son of Nicholas and Rosa Perez Gonzalez. A longtime Hutchinson resident, he wore many hats professionally, a chef - Harvey House, business owner of Halley Cafe, Hutchinson; Grand Cafe, Lamar, Colo., and Pecos Liquor Store, Denver.

His passion, however, was as a professional pool player; he learned his craft at Deloe's Pool Hall, Hutchinson, as a young man. Eventually, the game took him to Oakland, Calif., where he owned a billiard's house, where the best of the Bay area players came to play. As a player, he was known as "The Skinny Mexican;" he shared his knowledge with Ronnie Allen, the One Pocket Champion, and he played against World Champion William Mosconi. He belonged to Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, South Hutchinson.

In 1939, he married Marie A. Elliott in Hutchinson.

Survivors include: a son, Nicholas Gonzalez, Albany, Calif.; a daughter, Toni Lynette Gonzalez, Hutchinson; four grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and several nephews and nieces.

He was preceded in death by a brother, Joe; and two sisters, Beatrice Almanza and Eleanor Gonzalez.

Funeral will be at 11 a.m. Monday at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, South Hutchinson, with Father Ned J. Blick presiding. Friends may call from 1 to 9 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, both at Elliott Mortuary, Hutchinson. Burial will be in Fairlawn Burial Park, Hutchinson.

Memorials may be sent to Hospice of Reno County, in care of the mortuary, Hutchinson.