Jose Asencion Rodriguez

Master Seargent Jose A. Rodriguez, (U. S. Army - Retired) entered eternal rest peacefully surrounded by his family at his Santa Rosa, TX home on September 14, 2023, at the age of 93. He is predeceased by his parents, Telesforo and Emilia Rodriguez, sister, Celia Vasquez, brother, Santiago Rodriguez, his daughter, Marie Isabel Saldivar, and granddaughter Kristy Renee Costilla. Jose is survived by his loving wife of 69 years, Cruzita, his five children, Rosie Alaniz, (Ernesto), Melinda Leal, (Henry), Joseph Rodriguez, Bernard Rodriguez, (Debbie), and JoAnn Covarrubias, (+Robert), 21 grandchildren, 38 great grandchildren, and 5 great great grandchildren. Born on April 18, 1930, in San Benito TX, he forged ahead at the young age of 7 when his parents passed away. Born of humble beginnings, he evolved in achieving the true American Dream yet remained humble. In 1952, he met the love of his life, Cruzita Tamez, when he danced with her at the La Villita Dance Hall in San Benito TX. Jose and Cruzita united in holy matrimony on April 04, 1954. Together they danced through an extraordinary life filled with laughter, love, adventure, and mostly, an immeasurable devotion to their family based on their Catholic Faith. Living the military life, they raised six children, born in five different cities, four different states, three different countries, and two different continents. Together, they traveled the world with faith in our Savior Jesus Christ. Master Seargent, E8, Jose A. Rodriguez, (U. S. Army - Retired) proudly served in the United States Army for 23 years working in multiple disciplines and making significant contributions to the defense of this country. From 1968 to 1969, Jose served in Chu Lai Vietnam in the Quang Province in the U. S. 23rd Americal Infantry Division. During that period, the Vietnam War intensified with the Tet Offensive, a major escalation and one of the largest military campaigns of the Vietnam War. For his service, Jose was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for Meritorious Achievement in Ground Operations Against Hostile Forces, Army Commendation Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with four Bronze Service Stars, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Metal Clasp Bronze Five Loops, and Expert Rifle. Jose retired from active duty in the U.S. Army serving in the 15th Company 1st Cavalry Division in Fort Hood, TX. After retirement from the U. S. Army, Jose embarked upon a career in business serving as the Regional Supervisor for the Maverick Markets convenience stores and concluded his career as the Vice President of Operations with J & E Oil Inc. Jose mentored many employees and was proud of their success not only in the business arena but in their personal life. Throughout this time, Jose never stopped serving his community and country. They have called him: A true man of faith in God, Husband, Son, Brother, Primo, Tio, Boss, A Soldier, A Leader of Men, Brother in Arms, Patriot, Confidant, A True Friend, Some Have Called Him An "American Hero", We Call Him - DAD. Dad will be missed immensely by his loving wife and family. Our childhood memories are filled with laughter and adventure. Dad was our leader, and we had no care in the world growing up because we knew we were safe with Dad. Holidays were always special. We will cherish our memories of Dad being humble, loving, attentive, courteous, fair, patient, witty, and wise. An enormous and sincere "Thank You" to Ozmell Ortiz with A&M Services for his compassionate and constant care and Mount Sanai Hospice. Most especially, his granddaughters who provided loving care. Visitation services will be held at Rudy Garza Funeral Home in Harlingen, on Sunday, September 17, 2023 from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM with a Rosary at 7:00 PM. Funeral service will be held on Monday September 18, 2023 with a 12:30 PM departure for a 1:00 PM Mass at St. Mary's Catholic Church. Burial will follow at Santo Nombre Cemetery in Santa Rosa, Texas.

Jose Asencion Rodriguez

April 18, 1930 - September 14, 2023

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