Roberto "Bobo" Gonzalez Jr., 62, of Zapata, Texas, passed away peacefully on July 26, 2026.

Known as "Bobi" by his family and "Bobo" by his many friends, he was a proud member of the Zapata High School Class of 1982, where he played defensive tackle for the Zapata Hawks. He later served his community as a security officer with Zapata Independent School District until his retirement in 2014.

Bobo will be remembered for his lifelong passion for hunting, competitive target shooting, gunsmithing, custom rifle building, reloading ammunition, and attending gun shows. Widely respected for his knowledge and craftsmanship, he generously shared his experience with countless friends and fellow outdoorsmen. He also enjoyed playing the accordion, spending time with family, cheering on the Zapata Hawks, and above all, caring for his parents throughout their lives.

Those who knew Bobo will forever remember his unmistakable expressions, his quick wit, his honest opinions, and his larger-than-life personality. He was independent, loyal, hardworking, and authentic—a man who lived life on his own terms and was never afraid to speak his mind. His stories, laughter, and unforgettable sayings will continue to be shared for generations to come.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Roberto Gonzalez and Irene M. Gonzalez; his brother, Manuel R. Gonzalez; his sister-in-law, Gloria Gonzalez; his niece, Melissa Gonzalez; his niece, Azenette Noriega; and his great-nieces, Uliza Azenette Bolaños and Uliazette Bolaños.

He is survived by his siblings, Martha (Robert) Ramirez, Roel Gonzalez Sr., and Maricela (Luis) Noriega; his nieces and nephews, Jennie (Joe) Rebecca Gonzalez-Lopez, Anna Liza Canales, Leticia Gonzalez, Liza J. Peña, Alina (Russell) I. Ramirez - Borchers, Robert Ramirez Jr., Diana E. Gonzalez, Gabriela I. Gonzalez, Roel (Linda Jo) Gonzalez Jr., and Naria (Victor) Noriega Ruiz; along with numerous grandnieces, grandnephews, extended family members, classmates, and lifelong friends.

Family visitation will be held Friday, July 31, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., with public visitation from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. at Rose Garden Funeral Home in Zapata, Texas.

In honor of Bobo's lifelong love for hunting and the outdoors, family and friends are invited to wear camouflage. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests live plants in his memory.

In accordance with his wishes, Bobo will be cremated. His ashes are to be spread at a specific ranch location by his nephew Roel Gonzalez Jr.

His legacy will live on in the stories shared by those who knew him, the knowledge he passed on, and the memories he created with family and friends. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Rose Garden Funeral Home Daniel A. Gonzalez, Funeral Director, 2102 N. US HWY 83 Zapata, Texas.