He enlisted in the Army in 1948 and was in the Korean and Vietnam Wars. His service times were Sept 20, 1948 to July 11, 1951, July 12, 1951 to Nov 27, 1956 and Nov 28, 1956 to Dec 31, 1968. While in the army he received many awards, Good Conduct Medal w/5th award, Sharpshooter (Rifle), RVCM w/Dev-60, VSM w/Bronze Star, NDSM w/2d Award, ARCOM, AOM (GER), Dvr w/badge, 1 O/S Bar and The Army Commendation Medal. He received a Bachelor of applied Arts and Sciences from Southwest Texas State University. He worked for the Unite States Postal Service in Midwest City, Ok and then worked for VIA Metropolitan Transit in San Antonio, TX and retired from there.
He belonged to the Knights of Columbus at St. Monica, The American Legion 593rd and The Pan American Golf Association.
He was very involved in helping veterans with paperwork to obtain their disability through their services. He was active in Pan American Golf Association to help raise money for the student scholarships. Every Thanksgiving and Christmas he organized the holiday baskets to feed the less fortunate of the community so everyone would have a good meal this being through the American Legion. He gave 100% in everything he did, for his family, community and country. He was blessed to do what he loved best and that was golf. He played his last game on Sunday the 22nd just before he passed on Thursday the 26th. I know that he is very happy with those greens in heaven.
He married Donna Kaye Surgnier in 1963 and had 3 children, Dolores, Heral and George Lynn. He married the love of his life Mary Grace Vallejo Slattery on September 30, 1992 in Seguin, Texas and gained a son Thomas.
He is survived by one daughter, Dolores Sales and husband Fred of Ada, OK, sons, Heral Rodriguez of Ada, OK and Thomas Slattery of Altoona, Pennsylvania. He was the proud grandfather of five, Amanda Wood and husband Keith of Ada, OK, Cody Higdon and wife Jenifer of Stonewall, OK, Austin Whittington and wife Madison of Portsmouth, Virginia, Abby Rodriguez of Ada, OK and Madison Gustovic of Stratford, OK. The great- grandfather of five, Lane, Ace and Georgia Wood of Ada, OK, Julius and Catrina Higdon of Stonewall, OK. He is also survived by one brother, Thomas Rodriguez and wife Rosemary. Brother-in-law, Bob Kilburn. Nephews: Larry Cobarruvias and wife Joann, David Cobarruvias and wife Alpha, Tim Palmera and wife Mary, Tommy Rodriguez and wife Michelle, Mark Rodriguez, Adam Rodriguez and Joey Schubert. Special Family friends, Len and Becky Phillips. He leaves behind many family members and friends that have wonderful memories of their time together.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Sebastian and Natalia Rodriguez and his beloved wife, Mary Grace, and infant son, George Lynn. His 3 sisters and brother-in-law’s. Stella and husband Edward Cobarruvias, Nancy and husband Franklin Rodriguez, Linda and husband Alton Schubert , Sister-in-law Theresa Kilburn and one nephew, Frankie Rodriguez.
In lieu of flowers, we are asking to send donations to St. Patrick’s Church, 1114 Willow St, San Antonio, TX 78208, for the upkeep of the Family Garden in memory of Mary Grace and Sebastian Rodriguez. Please note on check it is for Family Garden.
A visitation for Sebastian will be held Tuesday, September 21, 2021 from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Colonial Funeral Home, 625 Kitty Hawk Road, Universal City, TX 78148. A committal service with full military honors will occur Wednesday, September 22, 2021 from 9:30 AM to 10:00 AM at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, 1520 Harry Wurzbach Rd, San Antonio, TX 78209. Pallbearers will be the Knights of Columbus.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.colonialuniversal.com for the Rodriguez family.
