Donald J. Rodriguez

Whether it be of his presence or his voice in song, our memories will endure long after he is gone. Donald J. Rodriguez, age 85, died on Friday, Sept. 29, 2006, in Baton Rouge. He was a Texaco retiree and a veteran of World War II, serving three years as a Seabee in the South Pacific. Having a beautiful baritone voice, he also had a career singing in many venues, including churches, Touro Synagogue, New Orleans Opera, and in Tulane, NORD and Loyola productions. He is survived by his devoted wife of 62 years, Lillian Lindsley Rodriguez; brother, Vernon Rodriguez and his wife, Jewel of Mobile, Ala.; daughter, Debbie Williams and her husband, Alan, of Baton Rouge; son, Bruce Rodriguez of Houston; grandchildren, Matt Williams and his wife, Alanna, of Baton Rouge, Brian Williams of Washington, and Kristen R. Dunn and her husband, Darren, and Lindsey R. Poole and her husband, Derek, all of Brandon, Miss.; and his great-grandchildren, Hunter Warrington and Daly Williams. He was preceded in death by his parents, Sam and Cecilia Bacon Rodriguez; brothers, Sam Jr., Andrew, and Richard; son, Donald J. Rodriguez Jr.; and his great-granddaughter, Avery Williams. Memorial visitation will be at Lakelawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd., New Orleans, on Saturday, Oct. 28, from noon until 2 p.m. Burial at Metairie Cemetery following the visitation. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the charity of your choice.