Tomas Hernandez Rodriguez

TOMAS HERNANDEZ RODRIGUEZ, 88, of Tortugas entered eternal life Saturday, February 28, 2015 at Mountain View Regional Medical Center surrounded by his loving family. Born in Colorado Springs, Colorado, the son of Luis and Juanita Rodriguez, Tomas lived the majority of his life in Deming, and Las Cruces, New Mexico. He joined the United States Navy in 1944 and was one of a few remaining World War II Veterans. Tomas took pride in serving in all three branches of the military, the Army, Navy and Air Force and took the time to speak with the young men and women currently serving the military. A passionate storyteller, he had the keen ability to take you on a journey through the adventures of his life. After serving his country, Tomas worked and retired from the United States Postal Service. An avid carpenter, he would spend the remainder of his life perusing his passion of woodwork, creating various beloved items for his family and looking after his grandchildren, whom he loved deeply. Jake Frietze wrote, ?Grandpa Tom? welcomed me into his family with open arms and every time we saw each other, he always greeted me with the biggest of smiles and firmest of handshakes and always giving a blessing.? Just an example of how he treated all that joined our family, with love and respect.
He is survived by his daughters, Rosemary Rodriguez, Jenny Montano, Alice Montano-Arzada, Dolores Dominguez (Fred), Carmen Daignult (Daniel), Ernestina Rodriguez; son, Tomas Rodriguez (Gina); his sister, Juanita Pacheco (Lilo) and his companion, Lydia Triste. Tomas is also survived by thirty nine grandchildren; numerous great grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Bailon Rodriguez to whom he was married to for 37 years; his son, Raymond Bailon Rodriguez; his sisters, Angelita Rodriguez, Felicia Martinez, and Maria Rodriguez; his brother, Augustine Rodriguez.
Visitation for Mr. Rodriguez will begin at 6 PM Wednesday, March 4, 2015 in Baca?s Funeral Chapel, 300 E. Boutz Road where the Prayer Vigil is scheduled for 7 PM. Family and Friends will join together to celebrate the Funeral Mass at 10 AM Thursday, March 5, 2015 in the Shrine and Parish of Our Lady of Guadalupe, 3600 Parroquia Street in Tortugas with Reverend Valentine Jankowski, OFMConv., officiating. Cremation will take place and inurnment of cremains will be held at a later date. Military honors will be accorded by a Holloman Air Force Honor Guard and the Marine Corps League ? El Perro Diablo Detachment.
Serving as casket bearers will be Tomas Rodriguez Jr., Jasper Montaño, Ronnie Rodriguez, Tony Estrada, Gabriel Montaño, and Julian Rodriguez. Honorary bearers will be Sammy Rodriguez, Jake Frietze and Javier Diego Sanchez.
Entrusted to Baca?s Funeral Chapel of Las Cruces and Sunset Crematory. 527-2222