In Memoriam : Alfred Gomes

Alfred Gomes Alfred F. Gomes - age: 93
(June 17, 1931 to June 28, 2024 )
Resident of Visalia, California

Visitation Information:
Service will take place on Tuesday, July 16, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. at St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church in Woodlake at 199 N Pepper St, Woodlake, CA 93286
In leu of flowers, donations can be made to The Open Arms House in Visalia.

Obituary:
Alfred “Sonny” Gomes passed away in Visalia, CA, on June 28, 2024. Born on June 17, 1931, near Tulare, he grew up in Hanford. The family moved to El Nido, where he graduated from Merced High School.
Sonny learned to rope on the dairy his parents owned. After high school, Sonny worked on his uncle’s dairy in Visalia, CA. He began going to amateur rodeos, team roping, calf roping, and steer wrestling. In 1952, he was drafted into the US Army.
Sonny met Betty Tarbell, and they married in January 1953 in Cutler, CA. His career included managing a horse ranch, stallion breeding programs, and pre-track quarter horses in Chowchilla. Sonny also trained his own horses for sale. He served on the Chowchilla Stampede Committee for 29 years.
Sonny is preceded in death by his parents, 5 brothers, 2 sisters, and his son, Mark Gomes. He leaves behind his loving wife of 71.5 years, Betty Tarbell Gomes; children Debbie Lange (Roger, deceased); Mike Gomes (Renee); Elizabeth Battenfield (Doug); daughter-in-law Christine Gomes; and two brothers, Lawrence Gomes and Gene Gomes. He was the proud grandfather of 7 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great-grandchildren, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.







Sophie Britten - July 11, 2024Contact this person Contact this person
So sorry to see this; Sonny was a great horse trainer - my husband and I bought a strawberry roan gelding from him and he made a great horse. Condolences to all the family. Sophie Britten


Tonya McPhail - July 17, 2024Contact this person Contact this person
Larry and I send our deepest sympathies and condolences to the whole family. Sonny was a wonderful person. Knowing him is to truly love and respect him. We are praying for comfort for you during these difficult times. Love, Larry and Tonya McPhail.