Eli Rodriguez

Eli Rodriguez passed away at his home surrounded by family on July 27th, 2016 at the age of 84, and is now in the arms of the Lord. He was born on March 2nd, 1932 in Del Rio, Texas. He was the son of Victoriano and Cordelia Rodriguez. He entered the United States Army and served during the Korean War from September 1949 to February 1953. He earned the Army of Occupation Medal (Japan), United Nations Service Medal Korea, Korean Service Medal w/ 6 Bronze Service Stars, and the Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation. He returned to Del Rio, TX and married Blanca L. Ramirez in 1954. Their family grew to include 3 children, Ricardo, Blanca, and Jo Elda. The family moved to California in 1964 and Eli resided in Lakewood for 49 years. He worked as a Laborer and was in the Laborers' Union for 51 years.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Jo Elda Rodriguez. He is survived by his wife, Blanca L. Rodriguez; son, Ricardo Eli Rodriguez; daughter, Blanca Rodriguez; grandchildren, Jason Rodriguez and Jennifer R. Walker; great grandchildren, Lilliana and Alexandria Rodriguez; his sisters, Elida Ortiz and Concepcion Caballero; his brother, Jose A. Rodriguez; their spouses and many nieces and nephews. His memory will endure in our hearts and all who knew and loved him. He will be deeply missed.