Chris H. Rodriguez

After treating and fighting Parkinson’s for most of the last five years, he peacefully fell asleep in death at home early on a Sunday morning. In the days and weeks (really, months), he and Mary’s home was filled with friends and family who visited, brought food, or simply stopped by to say hello. This outpouring of love was a testament to a lifetime spent serving others and providing comfort and stability to his many friends.

Christino is survived by, wife Mary Ann Sanchez-Rodriguez, daughters, Angelina McClain and Annett Villa, Grandchildren, Jarrid and Shelby Weaver, Caleb and Francesca Villa, great-grandchildren, Christian, Emmah, Ryan, and Ronnie Thomas, sons-in-laws, Ronnie Weaver, Ramiro Villa and David McClain.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Andrea and Christino Rodriguez, daughter, Debra Ann Weaver, siblings, Anita Garcia, Lupe Rodriguez, and Joe Rodriguez.

Christino met Mary, and they fell in love, marrying on September 5, 1959. They welcomed the first of their three daughters the following year, beginning a journey of love and family that kept them on their toes as husband and wife for more than 65 years.

Christino began learning about the Bible, though it took some time for him to be convinced of its truth. He was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses at Dodger Stadium in the summer of 1983. His serious yet approachable nature led him to a lifetime of service, spending over 40 years actively engaged in ministry, including years as a volunteer Bible teacher at a maximum-security prison. His kindness and wisdom made him a beloved elder in the congregation, where he provided guidance and encouragement to many.

His patience and steady presence were evident in how he and Mary raised their three daughters to be God-fearing and conscientious women. The patience he showed as the head of a household full of women is legendary among the family. Just ask, and you’ll hear a dozen stories about how he remained unshaken no matter what challenges arose.

Christino spent his career in and around the produce industry, managing departments at several grocery stores in Wichita Falls. He even opened and ran his own small bodega, Chris Grocery, which was a family affair. It was a sad day for his daughters when they had to close it. Favorite game of theirs was guessing what was in cans whose labels had been lost in shipping.

In his downtime, he loved to travel, taking his family on road trips across the country. Whether it was the mountains or the beach, he made sure his loved ones experienced the beauty of the world firsthand. And for those who couldn’t join, he always brought back souvenirs.

His daughters will also tell you about his affinity for golf—not playing 18 holes on a Sunday morning, but simply heading to the driving range to practice his swing. Luckily, he had built-in help, as he had trained his daughters to retrieve his lost golf balls.

If you knew him, you likely remember his model car collection, a small reflection of his love for classic cars. He made it a point to attend local and regional car shows, appreciating the artistry of vehicle restoration and modification. His practical approach to car maintenance was something he worked hard to pass down, ensuring his daughters knew how to take care of their vehicles.

And of course, his love for dance and music could not be overlooked. Rarely was there a social gathering with music where Chris wasn’t seen twirling his bride around the dance floor. During quieter moments, he might pick up his guitar or accordion and play for family and friends.

It is difficult to quantify the loss of someone like Christino. He never sought to be the center of attention, always uplifting those around him. His humility and kindness weren’t just admirable—they were worth imitating. He met every challenge with determination and a sly smile, always finding a way to succeed.

The theme to Christino’s life is success—not measured in wealth, but in the joy and contentment of those he loved. His legacy is one of warmth, generosity, and an unwavering commitment to making the world a little brighter. As the saying goes, we should be the change we wish to see in the world. Chris lived by this principle, leaving behind a life of positivity and a wake of happiness.