Stephen Rodriguez

Stephen J. Rodriguez (aka: Julio, Jackie, Javier), passed away on August 1, 2015 in Bandera, Texas. He was born in Corpus Christi, Texas to Steve and Lillian Rodriguez on October 20, 1950. He married Lynda Van Damme on March 28, 1979 in Las Cruces, New Mexico.\r\n\r\nHe attended Little Flower Catholic School, Horace Mann middle school and graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in San Antonio. He attended Southwest Texas University in San Marcos studying Animal Sciences before his love of the horse trade tore him away from his home and his studies. His career started as a jockey, took him to a horse trainer and finally to a ranch foreman. He won races while a jockey and was a well know horseman in several communities. His love of his trade took him from Bandera to Louisiana, Kentucky, California and New Mexico but he always came home to his beloved Bandera. He loved what he did and would have never changed his path even though many tried to sway him!\r\n\r\nHe is preceded in death by his beloved spouse Lynda, and his father Steve.\r\n\r\nHe is survived by his cherished children, Stephen William and spouse Montesa, John Aaron and spouse Kim; Mother, Lillian; Siblings, Lilli Ann Gonzalez (Jesse), Dr. Richard Aaron and John Thomas (Sylvia); Step grandchildren, Haley, Bree and Keoni; Uncle, Antonio Rodriguez (Sylvia); Aunts, Maria Teresa Casanova, Lenora Mueck; nieces and nephews, Traci Bartlett (Preston), Thomas (TJ) Rodriguez, Brendan Rodriguez and many cousins and relatives in Corpus Christi and San Antonio.\r\n\r\n"Julio" always had a smile on his face and was known to be a kind, caring man. He was always the life of the party, even if the party had not started. He is already missed by his children, siblings, family and friends.\r\n\r\nThe family would like to thank the kindness of Cedar Creek Nursing Home in Bandera and Gentiva Hospice in the care of our beloved "Julio". We especially want to thankTina and Christina at Cedar Creek. There are so many friends who we wish we could name individually who have been so supportive of the family in this difficult time, but hope that you know you will always be in our thoughts and prayers for your support and constant care.\r\n\r\nMemorial Services will be held at 10:00am on Saturday, August 15, 2015 at Grimes Funeral Chapel in Bandera, Texas.