Rolando Gonzalez finished his earthly journey on July 24, 2020, and gloriously entered heaven to hear "well done my good and faithful servant."  Rolando was born August 10, 1937 in Guatemala City in Central America to Manuel Gonzalez and Gudelia Fernandez.  Starting as a baby, his grandmother regularly took him to a strong Bible church and had a special influence in his Christian development.  At the young age of 13, Rolando was teaching and preaching in the church, and he made a commitment to become a missionary.  After graduating from a private liberal arts university in Guatemala, he moved to Texas to attend Dallas Bible College, where he was grounded in God's Word and prepared for the Lord's ministry.  While here, he also met his wife Margaret, and they were married in 1961.

In 1967, Rolando and Margaret joined Wycliffe Bible Translators and were assigned to work in Mexico in 1968.  What was to be a six month assignment in Mexico before heading to Peru, instead turned into a 12 year ministry, during which they formed many close, lifelong friendships.  Rolando and Margaret left Mexico and returned to Dallas in 1980, where they continued their service with Wycliffe in the Dallas office until retirement in 2018.  Their work with Wycliffe for more than 50 years resulted in many people around the world receiving Bibles in their native languages and coming to a saving faith in Jesus Christ.

Rolando faithfully attended Scofield Church in Dallas and served as an elder, deacon, teacher, choir member, and mission trip guide.  His stated life purpose was to teach and proclaim the gospel with the talents God had given him.  He was a committed follower of Jesus Christ, loving husband and father, doting grandfather, faithful friend to all, servant leader, thoughtful advisor, enthusiastic helper, avid reader, devoted prayer warrior, reliable and dedicated hard worker, strong handyman, genuinely caring mentor, history buff, selfless giver, trusted guide, intelligent collaborator, classical music lover, adventurous world traveler, committed Bible scholar, and a blessing and inspiration to many.  With his numerous talents, Rolando excelled in achieving his life purpose.

Rolando leaves to cherish his memory his wife Margaret; four children (and their spouses):  Roland, Keith, Karen, and Kelly; eight grandchildren (and one spouse): Katie, Claire, Chloe, Kayla, Kyle, Janelle, Marissa, and Melina; brother Roger, sister Aura; numerous in-laws, nieces, and nephews; and a host of friends and colleagues all around the world.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Wycliffe Bible Translators or Scofield Church.