The story of Lionel Saenz Rodríguez is a vibrant tapestry woven through the history of California's agricultural roots and creative community. Born on March 2, 1938, in Shafter's "La Colonia Mexicana," Lionel inherited the pioneering spirit of his parents, Jose Estalfo Rodríguez and Genoveva Saenz Rodríguez, who arrived from Coleman, Texas in the mid-1930's.
In the first grade, his artistic talent was discovered by a teacher, setting off a lifelong passion. It soon became Lionel's trademark to draw the backdrops for school plays and craft numerous paintings displayed at the Kern County Fair.
As a young man; he experienced the demanding life of a migrant farmworker, picking cotton, grapes, and potatoes in Shafter's sweltering heat, as well as harvesting strawberries, onions, and sugar beets in Santa Maria, and picking even more "papas" in Hemet and San Jacinto. His drive to learn new skills eventually led him into construction, plumbing, and electrical work.
Yet, Lionel possessed a rare artistic soul. Whether he was drafting designs professionally at Beco Graphics, and Aztec Graphics, running a business at Dan Dee Graphics, or bringing beauty to life through his partnership in "Crafts by Amistad," his hands and mind created things of lasting value.
He continued to share his artistic and journeyman knowledge while attending Bakersfield Christian Church where he met his wife, Ruth Rodriguez in 1996. Together they poured into family, friends, and the community. His legacy lives beyond his family members. Anyone who met him was impacted by his grace and kindness.
Described by those who knew him best as warm-hearted, intensely creative, and profoundly grounded, Lionel is preceded in death by his parents and his loving siblings: Guillermo “Willie” Rodríguez, Samuel “Sammy” Rodriguez, Marina Pimentel, Jacob Rodríguez, Emma Robles, Johnny Rodríguez, and Beto Rodríguez. He is survived by his wife Ruth, Sisters: Amanda Pena, Lollie Figueroa and Sarah Rodríguez Carreras. Sons: Edmund and wife Laurie, Gary Rodríguez. Daughters Michelle and her husband Gary Carmona, Maisie and her husband Damian Ott, and Melody. His heart overflowed for his 10 Grandchildren and 4 Great-Grandchildren.
Alongside his wife and loved ones a Celebration of Lionel’s life will be held at Bakersfield Christian Church - Iglesia Cristiana de Bakersfield, 3200 Bernard St, Bakersfield, CA 93306, on September 18, 2026, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
A Funeral Service will take place at Bakersfield Christian Church - Iglesia Cristiana de Bakersfield, 3200 Bernard St, Bakersfield, CA 93306, on September 19, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am.
He will be laid to rest at Hillcrest Memorial Park, 9101 Kern Canyon Road, Bakersfield, CA 93306, on September 19, 2026, from 12:15 pm to 1:15 pm.
