Rafael Luna Rodriguez, III, 69 passed away on Wednesday January 13, 2021.
Rafael was born on March 1, 1951 to Rafael Rodriguez, Jr. and Amelia Luna in Laredo, Texas.
The Beginning
He left home in Laredo, TX at the age of 16 to find work. It didn't take him long, because he found it in Fort Worth, TX with a company called Texas Steel, as a Shear Operator. He was a hard worker who often worked long hours, and sometimes up to 7 days a week or double shifts. There were times he would work 2 jobs to support his family. Whatever he needed to do to provide for his family he did it. Just as he worked hard, he also played hard. On Friday's and Saturday's he would go to this bar across the street from his job called El Tango to have a few drinks with his co-workers and friends to let loose and have fun. After all his motto was to live life to the fullest and have fun while doing it.
When My Parents First Met
One day my mom was walking to the store to get some things for her mom (my grandmother). She noticed this tall, handsome, young man standing by the door. Their eyes connected. As she passed him by they smiled then she went on about her business. She had never seen him before but he left an impression that kept her smiling. As she found what she needed, she was heading towards the cashier, she noticed he was still standing by the door. As she was leaving the store not thinking nothing of it, She couldn't help but notice this tall, handsome, young man was riding beside her in a beautiful brand new 1969 Chevy Impala. He had the passenger window rolled down and asked her if she would like a ride. She said "no" she would walk. She did not know this stranger and was not about to get in the car with someone she did not know. However, something about him kept her smiling. He was very charming. He kept trying to convince her he would not harm her and told her He just wanted to get to know her better. She still didn't get in this stranger's vehicle. She told him if he wanted to get to know her he could but he had to stay in his car while she kept walking on the side of the road. So this tall, handsome, young man agreed. He rode in his car, as she walked alongside and they talked until she was home. He told her he still would like to get to know her and asked if he could take her out the next day. She wasn't too sure at first, but something told her to give him a chance. The next day he picked her up and they went out on a date. However, she did not kiss him until the 4th date. When they would go out dancing he would buy her drinks but He never knew that she would throw them out. He always wondered why she was never intoxicated. The joke was on him.This was the start of a beautiful 2 year relationship that would end up in a union of 47 years of marriage.
He Was A Family Man
Family meant everything to him. By the age of 22 he had a great job and the car he always wanted and he felt that he met the one. (our mom) His life was great. They were wed in a small church ceremony a year after their eldest was born. He was very happy and proud to be a family man. To this union 2 more daughters were born.By the time he was in his middle to late 20's his heart was full and content. He was on top of the world. However, he knew one thing was slowing him down. He was to be promoted as Sheet Metal Foreman, only he did not graduate high school. So with his mind set on getting this position He did what he needed to do for himself and his family. He set out to get his GED even though it was tough for him, he never gave up. When it came time to take the test he was nervous, but with God's good grace he passed and was promoted. He was enjoying life.
Over the years he would come to own different cars and trucks because he was proud of his accomplishments. When he turned 50 he bought a brand new PT Cruiser, Red since that was his favorite color. Then years later his Truck. His vehicles were very distinct so everyone who knew him, knew those were his cars.
Even though he lived in Fort Worth, TX, his home was Laredo, Texas. He would go back every chance he could to celebrate holidays and birthdays, weddings etc, with his family, especially for Christmas and New Year's. Those were the holidays he would never miss.
Loved By Everyone
He wasa man who was very much loved and respected by his sisters, brothers, "compadres", sister- In-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends from all over. Anywhere he went he impacted people's lives in avery big way. If you ever met our father you gained a friend for life. He was quite a character to say the least with a Big Heart and an Unconditional Love for his Family. He loved to make everyone laugh as he would tell funny jokes or stories. He was a kid @ heart and would often say he was "21" when anyone ever asked him how old he was. When he was around family he was complete.
He would always say to his family " If you ever need anything, let me know. I am here" this stayed very true til the day he passed. He would never say "No", or turn anyone away who needed his help. He would give you his shirt off his back or the shoes from his feet. He was always a man of his word. He would always tell me "Mija, If you say something make sure you stay true to your word. Because your word is everything in this world." Till this day I carry that in my heart. He was a man that you respected and looked up to. If you needed someone to talk to he was there with a lending ear and would give his honest advice. He was a father figure to most of his nephews and his grandsons who adored, admired and respected him very much. He was very humble, laid back, caring, loving, giving and understanding. If anyone called him for help he would drop what he was doing to go help them no matter where they were. When he walked in a room you could always feel his presence with that contagious smile of his from ear to ear.
He was very proud of all his grandkids and great-grandkids. He loved them all so very much. You could always see it in his face as it lit up every time he saw them when they came to visit. He always made sure they had what they needed, whether it was food, snacks, as he would call them "Munchie's" or something to drink or even give them money for whatever they wanted. He would often take them all to the QT gas station to buy snacks and drinks just to take them for a ride in his car or truck and listen to music as they all laughed and joked around. Sometimes they would just go get some pizza's or burger's. No matter what as long as they were happy he was happy.
Left Too Soon
Even though he was taken from us too soon, He had a life well lived. He will be in our hearts forever and Never be forgotten. He will Never be replaced.Thank you Daddy for all the good conversation's, crazy stories, wonderful advice and amazing laughs that you not only had with me and my siblings, but also with your Grandchildren, Great-grandchildren, Compadre's, Brother's, Sister's Nieces, Nephews, Cousins, Friends and others that met you along the way. He enjoyed life to the fullest and that is how we will continue to celebrate his life as he would have wanted it.
Rafael is preceded in death by his father, Rafael Rodriguez Jr.; mother, Amelia Luna; brother, Roberto Rodriguez; and aunt (2nd mom), Margarita Rodriguez.
He is survived by his wife, Barbara Ann Rodriguez; children, Melissa A. Monsivaes, Amelia S. Rodriguez, Janie B. Rodriguez and Ralph Aleman; grandchildren, Robert J. Monsivaes (27), Mario M. Rodriguez (26), Zinnia A. Monsivaes (23), Alina A. Rodriguez (22), Isianna Aleman (22), Alyssa L. Cervantez (21), Vivica Aleman (18), Jada R. Cervantez (17), Lilyana R. Cervantez (16), Viviana Aleman (16), Ralph Aleman (14), Carlos A. Victoria III (13), Michael A. Zenteno (13), David Aleman (13), Vanessa Aleman (12), Violet Aleman (11), Elia Aleman (9) and KeiraElena N. Victoria (4); great-grandchildren, Leilani M. Rodriguez (6), Angel M. Rodriguez (5), Sophia U. Rodriguez (4); sisters, Rosa Medina, Alicia Sanchez, Consuelo Carreon and Bertha Zepeda; brothers, Raul Rodriguez and Reynaldo Rodriguez; and numerous extended family members and friends.