Elton Boniface Gomez was born on June 5th, 1926, in Petit Valley of the beautiful island of Trinidad and Tobago to the late Victorio and Eliza Gomez. He grew up with his parents and his nine siblings: Auburn, Frankie, Willie, Julie, Rosina, Matilda, Teresa, and Sandrina, all who have preceded him in death. He was the youngest of the nine. As a young adult Elton met and married his first wife Nora Gomez. Their union produced seven children. They are Christopher (deceased), Judy, Anthony (deceased), Shirley & Frank (twins), Pearl, and Robert (deceased). Nora Gomez preceded him in death on April 29th, 1989.

Elton attended primary school and then taught himself the remainder of his education. He was fluent in his native Trinidad language, as well as English, Spanish and Creole. He worked hard at various jobs and operated his own barber shop. Elton was a visionary, a leader, and a pioneer. He was a kind, loving, generous man of which many of his friends would agree.

Elton's unique skills caught the eyes of the United States Navy commanders stationed in Trinidad. He worked for the Navy for several years where he was a barber and operated the movie theater for the sailors along with other duties. Being a diligent worker for the Navy Commander gave Elton a letter which allowed him to bypass much of the red tape and protocol so that he could enter the United States.

Upon his arrival in the United States in 1989, Elton began working at a rock quarry, as well as, working as a handy man and owning a landscaping business. He was truly a man of all trades. Unafraid of work, he would often say, "A good day's work makes and keeps you strong!"

Elton liked to share the story about how he met his next wife, Omega Carey Gomez. "I saw this beautiful woman while I was shopping at Pick & Pay. I decided to go up to her and talk to her, but she didn't want anything to do with me. I asked the cashier if she could help me meet this beautiful lady. Of course, the cashier did not help me, so I tried to talk to her again. This time she began to talk to me a little. I said to myself, 'I don't understand; I'm a man and she is a woman, what's going on here?' I asked if I could come over to visit her, but she didn't say anything. After persisting, she finally said, 'Okay, if you want to.' When I got to Omega's house, I could not believe she had a house by herself and lived there by herself. I told her my story and shared that I did not have a place to stay. She offered me a room at her house and told me that she did not want anyone not having a place to stay. From that moment our relationship grew and of course the rest is history."

They were married on August 10th, 1990, in Deerfield Beach. Elton inherited seven more children: Joyce Carey, Felecia Wilder, Oliver Nesmith, Carl Nesmith, Sr., George Nesmith, Elvernia Nesmith, and Thayer Nesmith. Married for over 30 years, Omega preceded him in death on January 24th, 2021.

During his years with Omega, Elton attended Unity Temple Church of God by Faith where he served as a Deacon. He served there until his health began to fail. He was a strong believer in his Lord Jesus Christ and would often ask for prayer. When he agreed with something that Christ did for someone, he would say, "Thank God," in his Trinidadian strong voice.

Elton loved his family and would do anything to assist them in any way. He would be the care for his grandchildren, be a chauffeur when needed or lend a helping hand to assist the family. To his grandchildren he was a real-life superhero. Papa Gomez was a man's man, but to those who saw through the rough exterior, he was a giving and sharing person to his family and to those he met.

Papa Gomez is survived by his children Judy, Shirley, Frank, and Pearl; along with his inherited children Joyce Carey, Felecia Wilder (Gary), Oliver Nesmith (Michelle), Carl Nesmith, Sr. (Gwen), George Nesmith (Lisa), Elvernia Nesmith (Darrell), and Thayer Nesmith. Between his children and inherited children, Papa Gomez had a total of 31 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, 11 great-great grandchildren, along with a host of relatives, and friends.

One of Papa Gomez's favorite scriptures:

The LORD is my strength and my shield; My heart trusted in Him, and I am helped; therefore my heart greatly rejoices, and

with my song I will praise Him.

Psalm 28:7

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MEMORIAL SERVICE

Monday, October 18, 2021

VISITATION: 10am MEMORIAL SERVICE: 11:30am

MONARCH FUNERAL HOME

OPENING PRAYER: Pastor Jeff Rowles ( Abundant Life Church )

OLD TESTAMENT READING: Minister Felicia Wilder (Abundant Life Church)

NEW TESTAMENT READING: Pastor Jeff Rowles

MUSICAL SELECTION: Missionary Waters (Unity Temple Church of God by Faith)

REFLECTIONS BY GRANDDAUGHTERS: Karen Gomez

OPEN REFLECTIONS: If you would like to share a remembrance, please do so at this time.

(2 Minutes Only)

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: Monarch Funeral Home

EULOGY: Dr. Gary Wilder (Abundant Life Church)

PRAYER FOR THE FAMILY: Dr. Gary Wilder

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