Robert Rodriguez

Robert Rodriguez, age 94, passed away in El Paso, TX on Saturday January 28, 2023. Robert was born on December 22, 1928 in Edinburg, TX to Ella Garza Rodriguez and Silverio Rodriguez. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Evelyn, brother Richard Rodriguez, and sister Maria Ella Rodriguez Perez.

As a child he loved spending time riding horses on the family ranch with his grandfather Sabas Garza, or reading comic books by flashlight in a hole he dug in the yard of his home. One of his favorite comic book characters was Superman.

Robert enlisted in the Army in 1948, graduating from the 82nd Army Airborne School. His dream was to become a paratrooper. In the sunset of life when Dementia was taking over his mind, he always introduced himself with the same statement, “My name is Robert and I used to jump out of airplanes!”.

After his military discharge, Robert stayed in the Carolinas where he met and married Evelyn Ruth Fisher in April 1954. Together they returned to Edinburg, Tx where they had their first child, Sylvia Rodriguez. There, Robert worked as an aircraft mechanic at a local military base.

In late 1962, Robert attended school to become a Texas State Trooper. This was the beginning of a 31 year career with the Texas Department of Public Safety. After graduation, he and his family moved to El Paso, TX where he was one of the first Hispanic Troopers in the region. There, children Randy, Michael and Stephanie were born. His wife, Evelyn died in June 1997.

Robert is survived by his children Sylvia, Randy, Michael and Stephanie (Carl Lopez). Through Stephanie and Carl, he has three granddaughters, Virginia, Evelyn and Alexandria. He also leaves behind family not of blood but of the heart, Janey Madrid and her extended family.

There will be a visitation at Hillcrest Funeral Home, 1060 North Carolina Drive, El Paso, TX, 79915 on February 15, 2023 from 5:00 to 8:00 pm with a small service being held from 6:30 to 7:30 pm.

Burial will be at a later date.

Please send memorial donations to an Alzheimer’s charity of your choice.

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