Rupert Nava Rodriguez, a resident of Baton Rouge, passed away on May 17, 2022 at the age of 85. He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Yolanda Rodriguez, daughters; Rachel (Richard) Morales, Rose Ellen (George) Bell, sons; Rafael Rodriguez, Robert Rodriguez, grandchildren; Joseph D. Fowler, Alexandra R. Rodriguez, Gabriela E.(Jason) Morales, Tyler Rodriguez, Samuel R. George, Michelle M. Morales, Kathleen E. George, Reid A., Joshua A. and Elise A. Cooper, and Parker E., Joseph M., and Isaac R. Rodriguez, 3 great-grandchildren Jason and Jonas Fowler and Skylar Rodriguez Tripaldi, brothers; Joe (Josie), David (Audrey), Felix (Dorothy) Rodriguez, sister; Mary (Santos) Huerta, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his son, Ruben Rodriguez, daughter, Roxane Rodriguez Cooper, parents; Rupert G. and Juanita Rodriguez, brothers; Rogelio, Henry, Rafael, Adolpho and sister, Lulu Rodriguez.
Rupert was born in San Antonio, Texas. He attended Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas and moved to Baton Rouge in 1962 to work with Bernard and Burke Civil Engineering. He worked tirelessly in structural steel engineering at H.E. Weise, Walk and Haydel Engineering, Jacobs Engineering. He was then called out of retirement by Wink Engineering and H&B Engineering. During his career, Rupert was instrumental in designing the Mississippi River Bridge along with the numerous catwalks at Exxon via Hebert Steele.
Rupert was highly regarded in his community. He volunteered as a Boy Scout Leader for Troop 136, served as a coach for softball, baseball, & basketball, and as an usher & long term volunteer at St. George Catholic Church. He was a member of Council 4030 Knights of Columbus for over fifty years (including Grand Knight for 4 years), 4th Degree Knight. He was also an avid bowler with the K of C and local leagues.
Rupert will be remembered as a hard worker for his family and the community. He attended the Catholic Church since he was a young child and became an inspiration for the community and all who witnessed his tireless devotion, even in the face of disability.
Visitation will be at Rabenhorst Funeral Home East, Friday, May 20th from 5:00 pm till 9:00 pm with a Rosary service at 7:00 pm. Visitation will resume Saturday, May 21st at St. George Catholic Church beginning at 9:30 am with Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 am followed by burial at St. George Catholic Church Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Rafael Rodriguez, Robert Rodriguez, Richard Morales, George Bell, Reid Cooper, Joshua Cooper, and Joseph Fowler.
