Rodolfo "Rufus" Gonzales, age 76, of West Columbia, Texas, peacefully returned to His Heavenly Creator on August 24, 2026. 

He was born on March 18, 1950, in Sebastian, Texas, to Tomas and Lazara Gonzales. After graduation, he attended a welding school in Brownsville, Texas, and came to Brazoria County, where he has resided for 50 years, to put his skills to work. He loved his craft and enjoyed using his talent to make BBQ pits and jewelry as gifts for his loved ones. He would also pick up discarded broken bicycles from the side of the road, repair, and give them to neighborhood children who didn't have one. 

Rufus married the love of his life, Sandra Hale Gonzales, and they were the proud parents of their only son, Adrian Gonzales, who is the last to carry the legacy of his family's last name.

His true love and enjoyment came from being with his family and friends, joking, listening to music, playing volleyball and horseshoes, barbecuing, and anything else outdoors, where he preferred to spend his time.

In his later years, Rufus spent his time establishing a closer relationship with God, returning to his Catholic faith, through loyal and unwavering dedication of praying the Holy Rosary. In his friendship with Jesus, he made amends and found peace with his earthly life and looked forward to the promise of eternal life in Heaven.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Tomas and Lazara G. Gonzales, Sr.; brother Tomas Gonzales, Jr.; brother and sister-in-law, Ernesto and Ascension Gonzales; sister and brother-in-law, Angelina and Benicio Cortez; sister and brother-in-law Gregoria and Juan Rocha; sister and brother-in-law Amelia and Ted Tollison; brother-in-law Tomas Mendoza; and nephew Juan Rocha, Jr.

He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Sandra; his son Adrian and his fiancé, who he cherished as his own daughter, Gloria Dubois. He is also survived by his only living sibling, his sister, Margarita Mendoza; sister-in-law, Belia Gonzales; sister-in-law, Delia (Jerry) Green; many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews (some to whom he was lovingly known as Tio Fito); his godchildren, Gina Strakos and Evaristo Martinez, Jr.; close friends, Pam Goldsmith, Joe and Annette Lugo, Danny and Lettie Guajardo, Abel and Maria Delgado.

The family also wishes to acknowledge and thank his Hospice nurse and caregivers, Lorio Delgado, Cheryl Hangrove and Kentrele Jones for their care and support.