Manuel Rodriguez

Manuel Rodriguez, aka Bullfighter Manuel Rodriguez, 72, of Wharton, Texas, passed away Saturday, January 25th, 2014, following a short illness at a Sugar Land Hospital. He was born August 8,1941, in Markham, Texas to parents Samuel and Margarita Gaona Rodriguez. Manuel married Stella Rivas on November 1, 1961 in Wharton. He worked as a truck driver, welder, and sold Schlitz beer and Frosty Cola. He retired in 1984. Manuel enjoyed dominoes, pets, fishing, playing jokes, corny jokes, wrestling and being with his family. Manuel was preceded in death by his parents, Samuel Rodriguez and Margarita Gaona Rodriguez, and his sisters Charlene Rodriguez and Rita Rodriguez. He is survived by his wife, Stella Rivas Rodriguez of Wharton, daughters Estella Rodriguez Garza and husband Mike of Wharton, Veronica Ann Rodriguez of Westland, Michigan, sons Manuel G Rodriguez of Houston, Ret. Sergeant Major Martin C. Rodriguez, US Army and wife Santitos of Houston, and Samuel J. Rodriguez of Houston, sisters Eva Garcia of Wharton, Darlene Estrada of Wharton and Gloria Lopez and husband Pete of Richmond, TX, and brother in law Alfonso Rodriguez. His grandchildren Michol Quinney, Chief Myranda Carmona, US Navy, Mario Garza, Marcus Garza, 1Lt. Matthew Rodriguez, US Army, Spc Keith Rodriguez, US Army, Kelly Rodriguez, Casha Rodriguez, Sean Rodriguez and Amanda Rodriguez. His great grandchildren, Maggie, Jasmine, Maya, Evan, Isla, Mario Jr., Liana, Melodee and Melonee also survive him along with his cat Puffy, and dog Mimi. Visitation was held on Tuesday January 28th from 3 till 9 pm at Wharton Funeral Home with Rosary at 7 p.m. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, January 29, 2014 at 2 p.m. at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church in Wharton with Deacon David Valdez officiating. Burial will be in the Wharton Cemetery in Wharton.