Rodrigo Vite Puentes

Rodrigo was the second-born child of Andres and Pelagia Puentes, born on September 6, 1936 in Hilo, Hawaii. He married Zenaida Sijalbo on December 29, 1959 in Pasay City, Philippines, they were blessed with five children.

Rodrigo joined the U.S. Army in 1961 in Hawaii, and served in Thailand in 1962. He reenlisted in Wurzburg, Germany in 1964 and then was stationed in Killeen in 1965. He honorably served during the Vietnam War from 1967-1968 and received the following commendations: National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, Good Conduct Medal, Bronze w/1 Loop, and an Expert Badge (Rifle M16). He retired after completing his service in the Vietnam War.

Rodrigo and his wife continued to reside in Killeen and raise their children. He was active in the community, and was one of the founding members of the Killeen Filipino-American Association. Rodrigo’s passion was taking care of his family. He used the seasons of hunting, fishing and gardening to bond with his family and friends. Every spring he and his family could be found on the Lampasas River fishing for white bass and on Belton Lake fishing for catfish. In the winter he enjoyed deer hunting with his sons in Fort Hood and West Texas. Each summer he shared his wife's love of gardening at their home.

He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Richard Puentes and half-sister, Susana Altura. Survivors include his wife, Zenaida Puentes of Killeen; three sons, Rodrigo Puentes Jr. and Andy Puentes both of Houston, and Roland Puentes of Killeen; daughter, Susan Puentes of Houston; four brothers: Alex, Jamie, and Cesar Puentes of California and Tomix Puentes of the Philippines; sister, Loreta Palaganas of California; half-brother, Marciano Riglos and half-sister, Feliciana Robinol both of Hawaii; eight grandchildren and one great grandchild.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Monday, January 2, 2017 with a Rosary being recited at 6:30 p.m. at Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, January 3, 2017 also at the funeral home. Interment will follow in Killeen Memorial Park.

Please visit www.crawfordbowersfuneralhome.com for online tributes.