John Martinez Rodriguez

John M. Rodriguez, 69 years old, passed away on 20 Oct. 2022 from complications following surgery.

John proudly served in the United States Marine Corp and the United States Air Force. He retired from military service in 1993. He most recently retired from the Dept. of Health and Human Services, 2021. While serving in the Marine's he participated in the Vietnam campaign: stationed in Okinawa as a crew member. While in the Air Force he participated in many special missions as a C-130E Flight Engineer. After leaving the military he held various jobs while pursuing his love of learning.

He achieved multiple degrees and certificates to include: CCAF AAS Flight Engineering, 1986; CCAF AAS Personnel Administration, 1990; CCAF Aerospace Management Certificate, 1992; Bachelor of Science in Vocational Education from Southern Illinois University, 1992; Bachelor of Arts in Spanish from University of Central Arkansas, 1999; Paralegal Certificate from Rice University, 2013.

He was involved in the following organizations, Toastmasters International, Knights of Columbus, American Taekwondo Association Association,1st degree Black Belt 2000.

Preceded in death by his mother Elena Diaz Martinez Rodriguez and his brother Fernando Rodriguez. He is survived by his daughters Rachel Noelle and Caitlin Amanda, sister Maria Taylor and family, brother Ralph Rodriguez and family, uncle Fernando Rodriguez, grandson Caleb Alexander and ex-wife Kathleen.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating blood and becoming an organ donor. The death of a family member is a very stressful and hard time: we would like for you to talk with your family about what your wishes would be in the event that you become incapacitated.

I FLEW

When the last checklist is run and the bag drop is over

I will reminisce of the days I once knew,

I will not remember the 3 AM alerts

But only that I flew!

I will not remember the crew rest in tents

Nor recall how cold Arctic winds blew,

And I'll try not to remember the times I got sick.

But only that I flew

I will never forget when nature became angry

And challenged my intrepid crew,

And I'll always remember the fear I felt

And the pride in knowing I flew!

I will remember the sights my mortal eyes have seen

Colored by multitudes of hues,

Those beautiful lights on cold winter nights

Seen only by those who flew.

God was extremely good to me

And let me touch His face,

He saw my crew through war and peace

And blessed us with His Grace.

So when I stand at Saint Peter's Gate

And tell him that I'm new

I know he'll smile and welcome me,

Because he knows

I FLEW!

An Inurnment Service with Military Honors for John will take place at Houston National Cemetery, 10410 Veterans Memorial Dr, Houston, TX 77038, on Friday, March 17, 2023 at 12:45 pm

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