Rodney Herrick Riva

Rodney (Rod) Herrick Riva, 70, of Houston, Texas, passed away on March 17, 2024. He was born in Houston, Texas at Spring Branch Medical Center on October 31, 1953 to the parents Ronald Herrick Riva Sr. and Ima Lee Riva.

Rod graduated from Klein High School. Rod worked as a Master Plumber for Cooley Plumbing then went on to start his own plumbing business R.H. Riva Plumbing for over 30 plus years. He was a member of the VFW Post 10352 and had a passion for fishing, sitting on his front porch in his rocking chair, and being with friends and family.

Rod was a very independent guy, worked hard and had a passion for plumbing. Throughout his career he did some major plumbing jobs one of them being the plumbing for M.D. Anderson Hospital. Rod loved the outdoors, especially being down at the river house. Rod had a dog named Max, which was his partner in crime who he loved very much.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ronald H. Riva Sr. and Ima Lee Riva; sisters, Jackie Dodd, Shirley Denby, and Lennie Klingaman; brother in law, Gene Klingaman.

He is survived by sons, Ryan Riva (Tiffany), and Jim Southers (Amy); daughter, Cara Garrett (Chris); sister, Brenda McCurry; brother, Ronald (Ronnie) Riva Jr.; grandchildren, Alexis (Ricky), Kadin, Kinsey, Makayla, Jason and Trevor; great grandchildren, Waylon and Ryatt; along with many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Serving as pallbearers are Chris Garrett, Jason Alexander, Kris Hale, Clint Headley, Joe Bryant, and Len Richardson. Serving as honorary pallbearers are Al (AJ) Pye, Trevor Clopton, Jeremy Skrabanek and Royce Allen.

The family would like to recognize Sam and Joyda who were two of many of Rod's care takers but they always went above and beyond to make sure Rod was taken care of. We would also like to thank the friends who kept in touch and came to visit Rod while he was in the nursing facility. As well as Hector for keeping up with dad’s place.

A visitation for Rodney will be held Tuesday, March 26, 2024 beginning at 11:00 AM at Brookside Funeral Home, 13747 Eastex Freeway, Houston, TX 77039. A funeral service is scheduled to follow and begin promptly at 12:00 PM, in Brookside's Magnolia Chapel followed by burial at Brookside Memorial Park.