Pflugerville and the Central Texas veteran community are heartbroken over the unexpected passing of Tomas Luis Gonzalez Jr. on November 28, 2025. Known to everyone as “Bear Hand,” the 42-year-old Coast Guard veteran left us far too soon, taking with him a larger-than-life laugh, a generous heart, and a spirit that made every room feel like home.
Tomas served proudly in the U.S. Coast Guard, where his strength, humor, and dedication earned him lifelong brothers and sisters in uniform. After his service he settled in Pflugerville, building a life full of family, friends, and the kind of joy that came naturally to him.
Whether he was grilling in the backyard, cheering at a Longhorns game, or just sitting on the porch telling stories, Tomas had a way of making everyone feel loved and included.
He earned the nickname “Bear Hand” for good reason: big, strong, and always ready with a hug that could fix any bad day. His smile lit up rooms, his laugh carried across parking lots, and his loyalty ran deeper than most people ever get to see. Tomas lived big and loved even bigger.
Family was everything to him. He leaves behind parents, siblings, nieces, nephews, and a wide circle of chosen family who will miss his bear hugs, his teasing, and the way he made ordinary moments feel special. The hole he leaves is huge, but so is the love he gave.
A visitation to celebrate Tomas’s life will be held Tuesday, December 2nd from 2:30 to 4:00 p.m. at Beck Funeral Home in Pflugerville. Everyone who knew and loved Bear Hand is welcome to come share stories, swap memories and say goodbye to a man who made the world better just by being in it.
Pflugerville has lost one of its own. Tomas “Bear Hand” Gonzalez Jr. lived with heart, served with honor, and loved without limits. We will carry him with us always. Rest easy, brother. The watch is yours now.