David Hernandez Rodriguez passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family in his El Paso home on August 15, 2025, at the age of 98. His life was underscored by a strong sense of faith, purpose, and service to others. Born in San Antonio, Texas to his parents, Paula and Matias, he was raised in a humble West San Antonio neighborhood where he developed a great work ethic, quiet leadership skills, and strong set of spiritual values. This included earning money as a shoeshine boy with a box he built at his trade school. He was always proud and remained connected and supportive of his four brothers and three sisters.
David attended Sidney Lanier High School, a vocational school, where he nurtured his basketball skills, leading to an exceptional athletic career. At 6 feet 5 inches, he was an All-State center for the Lanier Voks, elevating the school to statewide recognition. There he played for legendary Coach Nemo Herrera, his beloved mentor who had a profound impact on him personally and professionally. The Voks won two Class A state championships in 1943 and 1945, finishing in third place in 1944. Later, he served in the United States Air Force, where he led the Chanute Air Force Base to the Air Force basketball title in 1946. Honorably discharged, he attended Tyler Junior College and led his team to the 1949 junior college national championship.
In 1950, he transferred to the University of Houston, being selected as an All-League player contributing to the Gulf Coast Conference Championship. He left a legacy of championships at every level of competition. His Bachelor of Science degree was a first-generation accomplishment that inspired future family members to pursue their college dreams.
He was recruited by Herrera to coach and teach at Bowie High School in the El Paso Independent School District. There he contributed to a winning program of sports and academics that continued with his assignment to El Paso Technical High School, paralleling his Lanier vocational experience. Committed to continuing his education, he earned his master’s degree from Texas Western College in 1962. This allowed him to expand his role to include counseling and administration. He served as an assistant principal at Henderson Middle School and El Paso High School where he enriched the lives of countless students. After retiring from EPISD, he held the role of Principal of Lydia Paterson Institute for 13 years.
David continued his spirit of service supporting a variety of projects and initiatives at multiple Catholic parishes in the El Paso Diocese, including his beloved All Saints Church. He remained a prolific reader of novels to his last days, constantly having his grandchildren go to the library to fill his voracious appetite for literature. He also made time for his passion for golf, playing weekly with his buddies in the El Paso area well into his 80’s.
His spirit of dedication to God’s merciful hand led him to become even more appreciative of his faith, his wife, family, and his many friends. David raised three daughters, Margaret, Teresa (Gilberto), Nora (Israel), and son, David Martin (passed away in 1961). As a husband, he was dedicated to his wife, Maria Armendariz Rodriguez, and embraced their blended family, including children Irene Sheehan (Jim), Armando Rocha, and Lorinda Hernandez (passed away in 2001). David was exceptionally proud of 12 grandchildren (Ana, Gilbert David, Robert, Andy, Eddie, Gloria, Marcus, Matthew, Roman, Samantha, David, and Tania) and 15 great-grandchildren (Robert, Aidan, Luna, Noah, Shane, Andi, Austin, Pearl, Samuel, Michael, Mateo, Shawn, Sebastian, Micah, and Brooklyn). David was always supportive of his grandchildren’s adventures and activities with a special tone of non-judgmental support and genuine interest.
His family enjoyed celebrating David’s many athletic recognitions, including:
Induction to the Latino International Sports Hall of Fame (2006)
The Tyler Junior College Sports Circle of Honor (2009)
Legends of Sidney Lanier High School (2013)
Retirement of #11 Jersey Number at Sidney Lanier High School (2017)
Induction to the San Antonio ISD Athletic Hall of Fame (2022)
All funeral services/arrangements are scheduled for Friday, August 29, at All Saints Parish Church, 1415 Dakota St., El Paso, TX 79930:
Public Visitation – 9:30 AM
Rosary – 10:30 AM
Mass – 12:00 PM
Internment -- Funeral military honors and burial to follow immediately after the mass at Ft. Bliss National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, David has requested that any remembrances be made to All Saints Parish Church, 1415 Dakota St., El Paso, TX 79930.
The family is truly indebted to his caretakers from Interim Health Caretakers, Matrix Hospice, and Three Acres Hospice of El Paso, to whom the family is forever grateful.
His family and friends will always remember David by his infectious smile and his quiet demeanor. ROD you will be missed AND always remembered!
