Clarence Gonzales - Posthumous Inductee

Clarence was born to Horace Gonzales and Celeste (Hunt) Gonzales on March 31, 1931, in San Antonio, Texas. As soon as he was able Clarence attended his first rodeo at a county fair. His love for rodeo took him out of his childhood home to the Albert George Ranch (which today is a historical park) in Booth/Richmond, Texas. As a ranch hand Clarence’s love for rodeo grew while working with horses and cattle. In 1958, he attended the Madison Square Garden Rodeo Championship in New York and later in 1972 in Harlem he had a role in the movie “Black Rodeo” based on Black cowboys coming to New York featuring Muhammad Ali. Clarence won several awards, buckles, and trophies from the numerous rodeos he participated in. In early years, he competed in all events including bronc riding, bull riding, calf roping, and steer wrestling. But steer wrestling turned out to be his favorite rodeo event.

Clarence was married to Zelma Ruth (Solomon) Gonzales and together they raised five children, (Gina Palacios, Darrell Gonzales, Clarence Gonzales, Jr., Kevin Gonzales and Rynae Grant). He settled his family in Richmond, Texas. Clarence attended as many rodeo events as he could find within traveling distance. He worked and retired from Brown and Root Construction in 1993.

Clarence’s rodeo spirit was passed down to his youngest son Kevin whose love for rodeo was as great as his father’s; and developed from their shared experiences at the many rodeos they participated in together. After retirement, Clarence started promoting rodeos in small towns surrounding the Richmond, Texas, area such as Kendleton, Egypt, and McBeth. The entire family helped with the promotion of the rodeos with his sons assisting in any capacity needed to help the rodeo events succeed. Clarence’s love for rodeo will always be remembered.