South Texas has lost one of its great vaqueros. Well known and respected throughout Cotulla and as far south as Hebbronville, Rogelio Gonzalez, Sr., 83, of Cotulla, Texas rode away into eternal peace on October 27, 2020. He passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his wife and children.

Rogelio was born in Guerra, Texas, to Guadalupe and Adela Gonzalez, his beloved parents who taught him a love of family, horses and hard work. He learned from his father the pride, skill and honor of being a vaquero. He learned from his mother the warmth of a home and the roots one never forgets.

In 1960, Rogelio married Melva Valenzuela and their marriage lasted for 60 years. Together they had 6 children: Rogelio Gonzalez, Jr., (2017), Wally (Cindy) Gonzalez, Duvelza (Oscar) Ruiz, Ana (Robert) Gonzalez, Erica (Valdo) Del Toro, and Rudy (Ruby) Gonzalez.

Welo Rogelio will be fondly remembered by 16 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren. His legacy of shared horseback rides and lessons in horsemanship will be a beautiful memory for all of them.

This vaquero was also a proud employee of the Texas Highway Department for 28 ½ years. He loved his community and everyone knew the man with the cowboy hat riding through town on horseback was Rogelio Gonzalez. Horses were his passion his entire life and he was anxious to share his knowledge with everyone he encountered.

Rogelio was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers, Leonel (1999), Gustavo (2001), Norberto (2014), parents Leopoldo (2020).

He is survived by his wife, children, sisters, Josefina Lumbreras and Gloria (Raul) Muriel, sisters in law, Julia, Melli and Juanita and his fellow cowboys, his brothers in law, Louie, Sonny, Victor, Mage, Benito and Richard Valenzuela.

In honoring his wishes, he will be cremated and there will be no funeral service. His family will honor him and celebrate his life privately. Your thoughts, prayers, words of kindness and gifts of food continue to be welcome and greatly appreciated.