Emilio G. Rodriguez

McAllen - END OF THE WATCH for this 97 year old, World War II, combat veteran. Emilio G. Rodriguez was relieved of his duty and assignment during his sleep at his home on March 30th, 2017.

He was born on March 11, 1920 in Virgil, Texas to Manuela Gonzalez and Guadalupe Rodriguez.

The 4th of 9 Children, he was drafted into war from a dairy farm in Falfurrias, Texas. He saw action in the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign with the 7th infantry. He fought valiantly in the Aleuntian Islands of Kiska and Attu. From there he participated in the invasion of Kwajalein Island in the Marshalls. Onward Christian Soldiers, Emilio went on to fulfill the promise of General McArthur by returning to liberate the Philippines. The 7th invaded the islands of Leyte and then occupied the Luzon Valley. On Easter Sunday of 1945, the 7th stormed ashore the island of Okinawa. Dad was wounded and recovered in a field hospital in Saipan. For his heroism, he was awarded the following medals: the Purple Heart, 2 Bronze Stars, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign with 4 Battle Stars, Philippine Liberation with 2 Bronze Stars, Victory Medal with 4 Oversees Bars, Army Good Conduct.

Upon his discharge, he wooed, charmed and romanced, and later married a red-headed gal from Starr County by the name of Maria Olivia Escobar (RIP). Together they raised 4 sons, Emilio Jr., Edward (San Juanita), Jose Homero (Annie), and Mario Luis (Norma). After the death of his wife, he re-married and had another son - Michael WIlliam. Of his 8 siblings, he is survived by 1 brother, Eriberto Rodriguez of Mission, Texas.

Dad was a successful entrepreneur. He began a family business recognized by Dun and Bradstreet, known as Rodriguez & Sons Egg Co.; later it became Valley Pride Food Distributors, Inc. A military service will be held at 6 p.m. conducted by VFW Post #8788. A man deeply devoted to his God, country, and family, will be remembered at a wake scheduled at 7:00 p.m. at Ceballos Funeral Chapel in McAllen on Sunday, April 2nd. A celebratory mass will be on Monday, April 3, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish at 10:00 a.m. A memorial service will be announced at a later date.

A staunch supporter of General Douglas McArthur, Dad would always echo his words, " Old Soldiers never die, they just fade away".

Funeral Arrangements were entrusted to the care of Ceballos Funeral Home of McAllen.