Homero "Homer" R. Gonzales

Homero Ruperto Gonzales, a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend, unexpectedly passed to be with the Lord on Friday, May 24, 2024 at the age of 65.

Homero, affectionally known as Homer, was born on December 12, 1958 to his mother, Felicita Torres Gonzales and his father, Jose Ricardo Gonzales in Harlingen, Texas. Being the youngest of three boys growing up on a small ranch outside of Rio Hondo, Homer’s dedication to family and hard work began early.

Homer was a graduate of Rio Hondo High School, class of 1977. His high school years allowed him the opportunity develop his passion for farming and agriculture. He actively served in Future Farmers of America, holding many officer titles, including Local Chapter President and Area President. Homer was incredibly proud to have been awarded the Degree of American Farmer, the highest degree achievable in the National FFA Organization, which demonstrated his effort, outstanding leadership, community involvement and dedication to his chapter and state FFA association. Most importantly, high school brought Homer together with the love of his life, Lorraine. Together, they embarked on a journey of love that would lead to nearly 44 years of marriage and two children he was incredibly proud of.

Homer was a lifelong entrepreneur, focused on transportation services for most of his years. He thrived on building relationships and making deals and was a natural problem solver. He had a special way of finding connection with anyone who crossed his path. Although driven by success, he never hesitated to drop what he was doing to help someone in need, whether it be checking in on a sick friend, delivering a meal, or providing words of encouragement. Homer also enjoyed tending to his animals and living the farm life, often finding time for side deals such as selling hay or buying and selling cattle. Homer’s true joy in recent years were his four grandsons. The boys were his absolute pride and joy. His daily drop offs and pick-ups of his grandkids here in Texas were the highlight of his days and he even managed to become a sports fan late in life in order to have regular conversations on the latest in sports with his grandson in California.

Homer was preceded in death by his father, Ricardo, and his mother, Felicita.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Lorraine; daughter Jennifer (Randy) Gonzales Oxen and son Justin (Carla) Gonzales; beloved grandchildren Joaquin Gonzales, Jacob Oxen, Jorge Gonzales and Juan Renato Gonzales; brothers Roland (Patricia) Gonzales and Manuel (Connie) Gonzales; Aunt Edna Tamayo; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins who held a special place in his heart.

Serving as pallbearers are AJ Alaniz, Michael Anderson, Memito Gonzales, William Gonzales, Randy Oxen and Juan Perez. Serving as honorary pallbearers are Justin Gonzales, Joaquin Gonzales, Jacob Oxen, Jorge Gonzales, Juan Renato Gonzales, Armando Alvarez, Eli Camargo, Ismael Olivarez, Carlos Perez, Marcelino Perez, Buck Rhyner, Esequiel Rios and Jorge Robles

The family will host a visitation from 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Buck Ashcraft San Benito Funeral Home in San Benito on Thursday, May 30th, with a prayer service beginning at 7:00 p.m. (This event will be livestream at https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/index.php?data=MTcxNzAzOTAzMjMxMTUyOCZvbmVyb29tLWFkbWluJmNvcHlfbGluaw==) A celebration of life service will be held at La Trinidad Assembly of God Church located at 500 N Harolds Street, Rio Hondo, TX on Friday, May 31st at 9:00 a.m. with a graveside service to immediately follow at Mont Meta Memorial Park, 26170 State Hwy 345, San Benito, TX.

In lieu of floral tributes, memorial contributions honoring Homer’s legacy may be made to La Trinidad Assembly of God Church, P.O. Box 475, Rio Hondo, TX 78583. Homer had strong faith in God and proudly served his church.