Paul T. Rodriguez

After a brief battle with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Paul Trevino Rodriguez passed away at home with his family on February 27, 2023.

Paul was born in Robstown, TX on November 8, 1934, making him 88 years young at the time of his passing.  At a very young age, his family including parents Crecencio and Lydia Rodriguez, and younger brother Ezequiel moved to San Angelo, TX.  After this move, sister Ruth Rodriguez was born into the family. Paul was raised there attending school until he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1953. He was honorably discharged in September 1956. He served in Korea and upon his return was stationed at Camp Pendleton, California. During this time, he met his future wife Ermila “Ermie” Garcia through a mutual friend and a few months later, married on February 4, 1956. They just celebrated 67 years of marriage.

Through this union, five children were born and of whom he is survived by: Cynthia Garza (Ramiro), and Paul Rodney Rodriguez, both of Lubbock; Diana Alvarez (Larry) of San Antonio; Michael Rodriguez (Dana), of Lubbock; and Sylvia Peace (Jimmy) of Lake Tawakoni, TX.

He has seven grandchildren: Timothy Maserang (Ashley), Christopher Maserang, and Stefanie Rosales (Josh), all of Lubbock; Mario Rodriguez and Paul Rodriguez, both of Aliso Viejo, CA, and Michael J. Rodriguez of Hico, TX; Paul Staley of Fort Worth, plus five step-grandchildren. He also has 14 great-grandchildren and four step-great-grandchildren. Paul is also survived by one foster brother Julian Morales (Anastacia) of Fort Worth. Additionally, he is survived by much-loved cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

During Paul’s lifetime, he was employed by several companies including Singer Sewing Machines, and Levi Straus, eventually retiring from Texas Instruments (T.I.) after 21 ½ years at the Lubbock plant. He was very proud that although he did not have an official degree in engineering, he was able to accomplish much in that field. He even traveled to El Salvador to troubleshoot in various departments while working for T.I. After retiring from T.I., he could not stay idle and went to work for Homer Wetherbee at Sudsy Springs Car Wash part-time. This quickly became a full-time job managing the two locations. He developed a close relationship with his boss Homer Wetherbee until Homer’s passing. Homer was more than an employer, Paul considered him a good friend. He loved being able to make things work better and more efficiently and prided himself on the fact that he could fix or build just about anything.

He also loved to paint and draw and enjoyed gardening, family history, and spending time playing with the grandkids, especially when they were little. Outside of work, Paul was also involved in the children’s school PTA and Band Boosters taking several trips with the band at Lubbock High School.

Paul was preceded in death by his grandparents Reverend Jesus and Lea Cuellar of Floydada; grandfather Inocencio Trevino of San Angelo; parents Crecencio and Lydia Rodriguez of Floydada; siblings of E.T. Rodriguez of Floydada; Ruth Balliram of Corpus Christi, and infant brother Danial Rodriguez of Robstown, along with many beloved aunts, uncles, and cousins.

He loved his family dearly and proved over and over again, that there was nothing he wouldn’t do for them. While he loved his family, his grandkids and great-grandkids were his life. They brought him so much joy!

Paul’s service will be a time of remembrance at Lake Ridge Chapel from 1-3 pm on Friday, March 3, 2023.  Afterward, he will be cremated and he and his wife Ermila will have an official military burial at sea out of San Diego, CA. upon her passing and cremation.

The Rodriguez family would like to thank Beyond Faith Hospice Care, along with all their staff for the great care that was given to Paul during his last months, especially his nurse, Angeleah. Additionally, they would like to thank all of the family and friends who have kept Paul in their prayers, visited, and brought meals and refreshments to his home. Paul would be so happy to know he was so loved.

If anyone would like to make a donation in Paul’s honor, the family is asking that you donate to the COPD Foundation at www.COPDFoundation.org.

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