Celestino Herrera Rodriguez

Words cannot express the deep grief we feel for the loss of our father, Celestino Herrera Rodriguez. Born to Francisca and Sebastian Rodriguez on April 6, 1925, he is a beloved father, brother, son, uncle, and brother-in-law, grandfather and great grandfather. Dad was larger than life and lived his life giving to others. If he saw you on the side of the road with a stranded vehicle, he would stop to help and get your car going!

He shared a life of love, faith and service with Estella Mendoza Rodriguez for 72 years. Estella died last year on November 13, 2023. They loved to travel, work on their amazing yard and gardens, share time with friends and family and go out to eat!

Celestino, or Tino as he was known, loved music and a few beers. He loved listening to Jose Alfredo Jimenez, Ignacio Lopez Tarso, Vicente Fernandez, and Antonio Aguilar. Tino loved to tinker, barbecue, nap outside and have a good fire going in the fireplace or firepit all year.

Tino was proud of his children, David Rodriguez (Pat), Irene Rodriguez Morales (Mario), and Richard Rodriguez (Belinda.). He had grandchildren that loved him deeply, Jeanine Talley (Patrick), Jeremy Rodriguez (Victoria), Marcos Morales (Dulce), Lauren Steinbach (Jerrad), Marisa Crocker (Mathew), Danielle Rodriguez, and Martin Morales.

Loved ones left grieving his loss include his sister, Maria Garcia; sisters-in-law Rachel Frausto (Frank), and Alice Zuniga; brother-in-law, Frank Mendoza; as well as countless nieces and nephews. He leaves his great grandchildren, Hannah Talley, Sophia Talley, Matthew Talley, Charlotte Talley, Violet Rodriguez, Madeline Crocker, Harper Steinbach, and Harrison Steinbach, who will all carry on his legacy.

Celestino was a proud World War II Veteran that served under General George Patton. He earned many medals during his time of service but was proudest of the Purple Heart. Tino loved telling stories of his time serving our country. He belonged to Company K, 90th Army Division. He was wounded on the Siegfried line. His division was known as the Tough Ombres.

Tino retired from Kelly Air Force Base when he was 55. He had many friends there. He was often seen driving around in his electric wheelchair in his neighborhood; he made friends with everyone, and his neighbors loved and cared for him deeply.

The family wishes to thank the countless nurses and doctors with Christus Hospice, and Audie Murphy Veteran’s Hospital.

A very special thank you to Blanca Saveedra who cared for our parents for the past seven years. Agradecemos todo que hiciste por nuestros padres, Blanca.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that you make donations to the Folds of Honor Organization. They provide financial assistance for the education of spouses and dependent children of service men and women who are either killed or permanently disabled while serving and defending our great nation or The Warrior Partnership that helps prevent veteran suicide.

ROSARYWEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 20247:00 P.M.PORTER LORING MORTUARY1101 MCCULLOUGH AVE

MASSTHURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 20249:30 A.M.ST. PAUL CATHOLIC CHURCH350 SUTTON DR

Interment will follow in Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.