Jose Feliciano Rodriguez

Jose “Pepe” Rodriguez was born to the late Genaro and Felipa Rodriguez in Rancho De Chapultepec, Mexico on July 30, 1941. Pepe was one of twelve children. Around the age of four, Pepe came to the United States with his mother and siblings, to join their father. The family established their first home in the Sharyland area of Mission, Texas, also referred to as La Curva (The curve) off the 7 miles. This is where they would find their first friends, the Rivera and Vargas Family.

Pepe at a young age worked in the fields with his father and a few other siblings making roughly five cents a day. Pepe attended school about thirty minutes from their home. This is where he developed his love of reading. On any given day you would find Pepe reading a book, magazine and as the world progressed his iPhone or iPad.

Around the age of eighteen, Pepe joined the National Guard and enlisted for two years. During these two years he started to date his future wife and mother of his six children, Maria C. Rivera. Once Pepe completed his National Guard duties, he was offered the chance to go to California with his father to work in the orchards. Pepe decided to go, but not before marrying the love of his life. Pepe married Maria on September 6, 1961, and their adventure began.

They arrived late September 1961 to California and made Newberry Springs, California their home. A few months after arriving Pepe and Maria had their first of six children. Pepe would go on to work in the orchard with his father for a gentleman named Jim Cho for a few years. Times were tough for a few years. Pepe would soon get hired with NL Chemical (Rheox), as maintenance man. During these years Pepe and Maria would go on to have more children and buy their little pink home. On November 20, 1969, Pepe became a United States citizen. Pepe stated this was a big dream as he always wanted to be an American citizen and now it was accomplished.

During the years of his six children growing up, Pepe would coach all six children in a sport at one time or another. Pepe coached for over fifteen years including baseball, soccer, and softball. Over the years kids he coached still would greet him with, “Hey coach!”. This always brought a smile to his face. Pepe took much pride in his children and his spent time with them. Pepe and Maria were very busy with five girls and one boy and somehow, they kept all of them fed, schooled and in sports. Just how Pepe liked it (laughter). Pepe loved his children deeply.

In the month of November 1983 Pepe and Maria would start a new chapter in their life. They became grandparents for the first time and found a love beyond words. They would go on to grandparent six more grandchildren before the passing of Pepe’s beloved wife on October 24, 1990, and six more grandchildren after her passing. Pepe would push through the greatest loss of his life and live on for his children and grandchildren.

Pepe loved being a grandpa and it was a guarantee you could catch him at all the games or activities of his grandchildren. This is the beginning of how he started to be called grandpa by his grandchildren’s friends. Pepe remembered all his newfound grandchildren’s names and would always try to make their games also.

His grandchildren would go on for many years to keep him busy until March of 2014. Pepe was about to start another big adventure in life. Pepe was now a great- grandfather. He would go on to great grandfather twelve more (more on the way). Over the last few years Pepe expressed how happy he was and how he wished his beloved wife was here to enjoy his happiness.

For many years Pepe enjoyed living between California and Arizona with his daughter Bianca and son-in-law Lee for about ten years. Pepe enjoyed life on the river with his family, razor riding, and shooting. Pepe moved back to California, when his daughter moved to Texas in 2020. Pepe started to live between California and Texas. Pepe enjoyed Texas, as now he was closer to his other children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren who had also moved to Texas. In November of 2022, Pepe finally decided to move full-time with his daughter Bianca and son-in-law Lee to Boerne, Texas. Pepe traveled throughout Texas from West Texas to the Hill Country to imagine hanging with Willie and Waylon in Luckenbach, Texas. Pepe even went back to the home he first lived in when coming to Texas from Mexico.

Pepe lived a full and happy life. Pepe went to join his beloved wife Maria C. Rodriguez, father Genaro Rodriguez, Mother Felipa Rodriguez, Sisters Mary Rivera, and Grace Trujillo, and brother Juan Rodriguez, and sister-in-law Clara Rodriguez, on June 5, 2023, in San Antonio, Texas. Pepe is survived by his faithful dog Guero and his six children. Rosanna Rodriguez, Linda Rodriguez-Williams, Virginia (Frankie) Baca, Adolfo Rodriguez, Monica (Victor)Ruiz, and Bianca (Leamon) Rodriguez-Studebaker. Twelve grandchildren, Vanessa (Luis) Tirado, Dylan Rodriguez, Randall “RJ” (Kristin) Williams, Trista (Alan) Dawson, Adolfo Williams, Morgan (Christopher) Brown, Gabriella (Dario) Banks, Frankie (Kim)Baca, Anthony (Chelsea) Mestas, Emilio F. Rodriguez, Claudio (Rachel) Mestas, and Ezra Rodriguez-Studebaker. Thirteen great- grandchildren. Seven siblings, Guillermo Rodriguez, Jose N (Hilaria) Rodriguez. Justina Torres, Fidel (Oretta)Rodriguez, Jerry (Cindy) Rodriguez, Rudy Rodriguez and Mary Lou (Jim)Heacock. Twenty-seven nephews and nieces and numerous great nephews and nieces.

Pepe will be missed by many. He was the best father, grandpa and great-grandpa, brother, and uncle to his family and an amazing friend and man to many.

A viewing for Jose will be held Friday, June 30, 2023 from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Mead Mortuary, 36930 Irwin Rd, Barstow, California 92311. A chapel service will occur Friday, June 30, 2023 at 11:00 AM, 36930 Irwin Rd, Barstow, California 92311. A committal service will occur Friday, June 30, 2023 at 12:30 PM at Mt View Memorial Park, 37067 Irwin Rd, Barstow, California 92311.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.meadcares.com for the Rodriguez family.

We here at Mead, offer our sincerest condolences to the family. Mead mortuary chapel and reception room are open for services at 100% capacity. If you need assistance, please call 760-256-5671 to speak with our staff. Our office area is open to the public however, we highly suggest that you call for an appointment before coming in so that you'll have our full attention and care. We are limiting our arrangement conferences to 4 guest until further notice. Thank you for your cooperation, we appreciate your understanding during this time.