Carlos & Olivia Rodriguez

A celebration of Life for Carlos and Olivia of San Antonio, Tx will be held on Thursday, March 14, 2024, at Sunset Funeral Home, 1701 Austin Hwy, San Antonio, TX 78218 with the visitation from 6:00-7:00 pm followed by the Rosary from 7:00-8:00 pm. A funeral mass will be held Friday, March 15, 2024, from 11:30-12:30 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, 13715 Riggs Rd, Helotes, TX 78023 with Fr Scott Janysek officiating. A committal service will follow from 1:30-2:00 pm at Ft Sam Houston National Cemetery, 1520 Harry Wurzbach Rd, San Antonio, TX 78209. A reception to follow at the funeral home for family and friends.

Our father, Carlos, gained his angel wings on Monday, February 19, 2024, joining his beloved wife of 72 years. Our precious mother, Olivia, went to be with her Lord and Savior unexpectedly, Tuesday, February 13, 2024.

Carlos was born to Arturo Rodriguez, Sr and Consuelo Rodriguez- Rodriguez, November 4, 1927, in Detroit, Michigan. Olivia was born to Manuel Garcia, Sr and Maria De La Luz Gonzalez Garcia, November 15, 1929, in Harlingen, TX. Olivia graduated from Harlingen High School, Class of 1951. Carlos and Olivia were married March 28, 1951, and they lived together in San Antonio, TX. Together they raised four children. Carlos and Olivia are survived by Edna Rodriguez-Grimsley, Carlos Rodriguez, Jr (Anchalee), Roberto Arturo Rodriguez (Cecelia) and Mario Alberto Rodriguez (Brenda). Carlos and Olivia leaves to cherish their memory two brothers, Baldemar and Omar Garcia, Sr (Dina), grandchildren, Tania Marie Nesser, Marisa Nesser Sanchez ( Tim), Kenneth J. Nesser, Jr , (K.J.) , Robert Adam Rodriguez(Megan), Aaron M. Grimsley, Rachel Grimsley-Murray (Rusty), Rebecca Grimsley, Dylan Contreras (Itati), Emily Pena (Oscar III), Brittany, Isaac, Selah, David, Aaron, and Ethan Rodriguez, 12 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews who they loved dearly.

Carlos was preceded in death by five brothers and spouses, Gregorio, Manuel (Berta), Arturo, Jr (Adele) Raul and Alonzo Rodriguez (Norma) and one sister, Francisca Rodriguez. Nephew Ray Rodriguez, nieces Raula Kaye Rodriguez and Anita Dowdy. Olivia was preceded in death by siblings and spouses Oscar Garcia, Sr. (Patsy), Manuel Garcia, Sr (Martha), sister Olympia Garcia Serna (Placido, Sr.) and sister-in-law Ana Estrello Garcia. Four nephews Rolando Garcia, Placido Serna, Jr, Michael Serna and Fernando Garcia.

Dad served in the US Army, a proud veteran of three wars, WWII, Korea, and Vietnam. Dad retired as SSG in 1969 after 23 years of service. His service in the Korean War earned him the Silver Star, the third highest award, for Gallantry in Action near Pyongyang, North Korea, October 19. 1950. He was a corporal at the time. He received the award February 7, 1962, while stationed in Germany and received his Purple Heart 47 years later. Dad received many awards for his service. Dad also worked as a maintenance custodian at Ft Sam Houston National Cemetery retiring in 1989. Dad was proud of his “Love Me” wall and would gaze at his awards and photos.

Mom and Dad raised their children to have a strong work ethic, respect our elders and to be kind to others. If we could describe our dad, he was humble, honest, and genuinely affectionate to all, especially children. Mom was observant, curious, beautiful, sharp, and loving. She was a prayer warrior and loved the Lord. She could not bear losing our dad, so God took her first. They were devoted and adored each other.

Mom was a dutiful housewife during dad’s military career and supported our dad as a military spouse on all his assignments. Our home was always meticulously immaculate by our determined Mom. She cooked awesome cheese enchiladas and often baked from scratch. Dad was a good cook as well. He was known for his homemade pancakes, biscuits, sausage or ground meat and gravy (SOS). They both loved to have company. Our home was always a gathering place for family and friends. Mom worked at JC Penny’s Payment Center and retail at Village Casuals at North Star Mall, San Antonio.

Honoring Dad as pallbearers will be his sons, our childhood friend, Antonio Palacios and nephews Joe Serna and Justin Garcia. Honoring Mom will be her grandsons.

We want to thank Dad’s providers, Amanda Dyer, Cody Foley, and Casey Trevino. Their dedication, care and love for Dad is very much appreciated. They loved Mom and Dad as their own grandparents. Also, to Ms. Marcella RN, Christus VNA Hospice Care who lovingly cared for our dad in his final days.

Mom and dad’s wishes are, in leu of flowers, donations be made to St Jude Children’s Cancer Center and Wounded Warrior Project in their memory.