Ignacio S Rodriguez, Jr.

Ignacio Jr., affectionately known as "Nachito" or "Nacho" and also as "Jack," was born on January 28, 1932, on a rural farm in Fashing, Atascosa County, Texas. Visitation will be 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM, Sunday, August 4, 2024 at Elmwood Funeral Home, 5750 Hwy 277 South. Funeral services will be 10:00 AM, Monday, August 5, 2024 at Broadview Baptist Church, 2500 S 27th St.

His early years on the farm instilled in him a deep love for the countryside and its simple pleasures. In the winter of 1951, Ignacio's life took a significant turn when he met the love of his life, Frances, at the Wilson Poultry Factory where they both worked in Abilene, Texas. Their connection was immediate and enduring, and they began a lifelong journey together.

In October 1952, Ignacio left Abilene to begin basic training in preparation for the Korean War conflict. Serving as a corporal, he was part of the Unit C Battery 148 Field Artillery during the war. In 1954, while on leave from his Army service, Ignacio and Frances eloped on August 28 and married on September 1, 1954, in El Paso, Texas. They lived on base at Fort Bliss in El Paso until his discharge, after which they returned to Abilene. The couple was looking forward to celebrating their 70th anniversary on September 1, 2024.

Ignacio loved socializing with family and friends at the Senior Citizen Center, LULAC, GI Forum, & the VFW, as well as engaging in his favorite pastimes of fishing, hunting, and relishing the rural lifestyle reminiscent of his childhood. Ignacio's core values were simple: love and commitment to God, family, and country, with laughter being the best medicine. He loved hunting, fishing, and being outdoors-whether it was watching the deer graze from his back patio or spending hours enjoying war and western movies. While he was always happy to have visitors, he was most joyful when his entire family gathered in one place. After prayer, he would always boast about how beautiful his family was and how much it had grown.

Ignacio also had a passion for the unique foods his family would prepare for him and found great solace in reading the Bible. He was a devoted member of Pioneer Drive Baptist Church in Abilene.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ignacio Sr. & Beatrice Solis Rodriguez; brother, Rudy Rodriguez; and sister Hortencia McDade.

Ignacio is survived by his loving wife, Frances; daughter, Linda Martinez (John); sons, Albert (Raquel) Rodriguez, Sam (Carmen) Rodriguez, Michael ( Laila) Rodriguez; grandchildren, Stephen Martinez, Stephanie Martinez, Taylor Rodriguez, Aramis Rodriguez, Rudy Flores; great-grandchildren, Eliana Rodriguez, Bella Rodriguez; Sisters, Irene (Lynn) South of Round Rock TX, and Anita Blanchard of Menifee, CA; brothers, Richard Rodriguez of Torrance, CA, and Dan (Lynda) Rodriguez of Sapulpa, OK; brother-in-law, Norm McDade and numerous nieces & nephews.

He lived a full life during his blessed 92 years on earth. He loved being with and taking care of the love of his life Frances, which started after first saw her walk by from his house balcony on Treadaway St., in 1951. Ignacio's legacy is one of love, dedication, and a deep appreciation for the simple joys of life. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

If they offer earthly food in Heaven, his favorites would be Huevos Rancheros and Caldo De Rez!

Enjoy Dad!! We will always love you!! See ya'!!

The family request if anyone would like to make a donation in Ignacio's honor please make to the following www.roll-call.org