Jesus "Jesse" Rodriguez

Jesus, “Jesse”, Rodriguez, 81, of Houston, Texas, passed away on Wednesday, September 29, 2021. Jesse was born on February 19,1940 to Juan and Clemencia Rodriguez in Edinburg, Texas.

Jesse is preceded in death by his father, Juan, his mother Clemencia, and his brother Apolonio Rodriguez.

 Jesse is survived by his son, John Rodriguez, and grandchildren Jonathan and Angelina; daughter Malerie and husband Jesse Fox with grandchildren Ainsley and Jesse III; daughter Jessica Rodriguez and grandchildren Jayda and Michael III; brothers Juan, Felipe, Martin, and Claudio Rodriguez; sisters Isidra Flores, Maria Rodriguez, Consuelo Torres, and Molly Yanas; and his beloved dog, Bella. 

Jesse went to school and graduated from Edinburg High School in 1959 where he was a basketball star. He would go on to enlist in the United States Army, where he served dutifully for 20 years. During his military service, he was deployed to multiple theaters including Vietnam, South Korea, and Germany. He received a multitude of commendations, including a Bronze Star and The Army Commendation Medal. He honorably retired in 1980 as Sergeant First Class Rodriguez. After leaving the military, Jesse worked at Carmen’s Mexican Restaurant alongside his brother, Juan, for several years. Thereafter, Jesse worked for Harris County, and after 10 years of dedicated service he retired. During this time Jesse was a devoted father to his son John, and daughters Malerie and Jessica. He always enjoyed spending time with his girls and truly took joy in watching them play volleyball and basketball. As he grew older, Jesse loved watching his grandchildren come into the world and seeing them grow up before his eyes. 

Jesse enjoyed reading the newspaper each morning with a cup of coffee while visiting his local taco stand and spending time with Bella. In his earlier years, Jesse served as a deacon at Jersey Village Baptist Church as well as, spending time on mission trips and feeding the homeless. Jesse always enjoyed cracking jokes and was full of laughter. You could always find him watching old western movies or sports games on any given day. Jesse was a passionate Texas Longhorns and Dallas Cowboys fan. He will be missed by all those who ever knew him.   

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Wreaths Across America Houston to honor veterans in honor of Jesse at www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/pages/168588

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