Venancio Rodriguez

Venancio Rodriguez, 70, died on August 5, 2020 in Lubbock, Texas. Due to the COVID-19 public health crisis, a private burial will be conducted under the direction of Resthaven Funeral Home. A memorial service for extended family and friends will be held at a later date.

Venancio was born September 12, 1949 in Lubbock to Santos and Lazara Rodriguez, who proceeded him in death.

He was retired from the City of Lubbock, where he worked for twenty-five years at the Lubbock Memorial Civic Center and Lubbock Municipal Auditorium. During his time there, he saw many notable acts, including having the opportunity to eat dinner with Billy Idol, who Venancio said wanted to eat with the working people.

Venancio married Christina Rodriguez on April 22, 1979. Their parents were close friends and were match makers following the death of her first husband. At just 29 years old, when they married, Venancio became Dad to her seven children.

In his spare time, Venancio enjoyed watching the Dallas Cowboys, watching old western movies, eating ice cream, and he enjoyed camping and fishing. As their children became adults, he welcomed their spouses to the growing family. In later life, he enjoyed his role as grandfather and great grandfather, teasing and playing with numerous new additions to his world.

Friends and family will cherish the nicknames bestowed by Venancio, his good-natured laugh, his smile, and his whistling. His optimistic outlook for success in the Dallas Cowboy’s was unmatched, as he was certain “next year” would always be the one.

Venancio was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Ignacio Rodriguez and Betty Jane Castillo, daughter.

He is survived by his wife, and their children: Rosalinda and Isau Cardona of Winter Haven, Florida, Steven and Maggie Castillo of Del Ray Beach, Florida, Joe Castillo of Del Ray Beach, Florida, Jimmy Castillo and Greg Bruce, Becky Castillo, Valerie Wynn, all of Lubbock, Julie Bryand and Steve Parent of Lovington, New Mexico, Marie Mendosa and Rodrigo Campos of Lubbock, Tomas and Ruth Rodriguez of San Antonio, Esmeralda Constancio of Lubbock, and Mary Ortiz of Dallas. He is also survived by a sister, Maria Chelo Paris of Dallas, and a brother, Julio Rodriguez of Portales, New Mexico.

Grandchildren include Michael and Devyn Castillo, Bridgette Castillo, Cory Bryand, Chris and Mai Dao, Alexander Hernandez of Lovington, Samuel Rodriguez, Gabriel Rodriguez, Briana Monica, Isaiah Alvarez, Jasmin Rodriguez, Danny Constancio, ChristyAnn and Esteban Sanchez, Vanessa and Remi Gamez, Andrea and Ralph Hernandez, Isau Jr and Rosa Cardona, Aurora Gonzales, Fabian Olvera, Jocelyn Castillo, Steve and Victoria Castillo.

Great grandchildren include Jaidon, Lily, and Avril Castillo, Raylie Bryand, Kristalyn, Juliana, and Jacob Sanchez, Avalon, Ruben, and Azalea Hernandez, Gian Carlo and Abilene Gamez, Sergio Arredando, Raul Arredando, Krystal Ellis, Alexis Morton, Matthew, and Camilla Olvera, Ayla, Alassandra, Andrea Castillo, Jayla, and George Cabrera.

Venancio’s family appreciates the care of Victor Test, MD, TTUHSC Division of Pulmonary/Critical Care, and the staff of the University Medical Center MICU. In the Age of COVID-19, the family encourages all people 2 years of age and older to follow CDC recommendation and wear a mask in public settings, especially when other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain. COVID-19 can be spread by people who do not have symptoms and do not know they are infected.