Robert O. Gonzales

Robert was born in 1949 in Rio Hondo, TX. He was the middle child and is survived by his brother Frank Gonzales and sister Mary Aguilar.

Robert was raised with a strong work ethic and is a man of devote principal. This came from his work in the cotton fields and manual labor at an early age. He learned the value of education as a young man and was determined to put himself through college. He educated himself with a business degree from UT RGV, served his country in the Army Reserve during the Vietnam War and enjoyed a celebrated 30-year career with John Deere Company.

Robert was an avid outdoorsman, he felt at peace camping, fishing and hunting deer. He loved nature and cherished being in the open country. Robert was passionate about his Dallas Cowboys and his Rio Hondo Bobcats. He was a lifelong student of History, especially Texas History, if you had the time, he had a story for you.

However, Robert’s greatest love was the love he had for his family. His joy in life could be found in the passions of his wife and children. Their happiness was his happiness. He is survived by the love of his life and wife of 48 years Olga Alvarez Gonzales. They met at a Catholic school dance, little did they know that would start the adventure of a lifetime. An adventure that had them travel the world and live several places throughout Texas.

Robert and Olga raised three children as a team. Robert’s focus was always on family, faith, education, and loyalty to those he was close to. He spent many years as a beloved youth soccer and baseball coach in the Panhandle town of Dumas, Texas where he lived for much of his children’s lives.

Robert is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 48 years, Olga Alvarez Gonzales; children, Dolly (Greg) Trolley, Michael Gonzales, and Robert (Laura) Gonzales. He is also survived by his brother Frank (Martha) Gonzales and sister Mary (Miguel) Aguilar, as well as his three grandchildren Logan, Lexi and Luke, and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held Friday, March 21st from 3:00p.m.-9:00p.m. at Heavenly Grace Funeral Home in La Feria, TX, where a Rosary will begin at 7:00. Visitation will continue at the Chapel at Heavenly Grace Funeral Home on Saturday, March 22nd at 10:00am followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 12:00pm, with Brother Gabby presiding. Interment will immediately follow at Restlawn Memorial Park, La Feria, TX.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Foundation, 701 E. Expressway 83, Box #13, McAllen, Texas 78501, or online at https://utrgvfoundation.org/.