Ernest Rodrigues Jr. age 81, died peacefully at the Many Health-Care Nursing Home in Many. From his birth here in Many, on June 18, 1937 to his death on January 8, 2019, he nourished the people around him with love, faith, and giving. He was a man that never met a stranger, had a feather in his cap and handed out over 45,000 miniature crosses with a purple string.
Ernest was born in Many to Ernest and Nancy Remedies Rodrigues and was the second oldest of 11 children. By the age of nine, E. Rod started working all kinds of jobs to help support the ever-growing family. He did everything from selling watermelons in Nacogdoches, Texas to running errands and carrying water to the workers while Hodges Gardens was being built.
After graduating High School, Ernest enlisted in the United States Marine Corps where he served with distinction. It was while he was in the Corps that he met his first wife, Shirley Ann Lewing. They married on September 15, 1959 and basically lived their entire married lives in Many except for a short 4 years in Antlers, Oklahoma. Together they owned and operated Rodrigues Flower Shop and Shirrod Fencing.
Shirley preceded Ernest in death on February 10, 2013. It was jokingly said that no one was ever sure if Shirley fell in love with Ernest or that good-looking dress blue uniform. It was a blessed union that produced four loving children. Those children left to honor his memory are Sharon Lunbeck of Houston, Texas, Kayla and Larry Hataway of Many, Ramona Mason of Lucedale, Mississippi and Steven and Kim Rodrigues of Many. His grandchildren are Christopher Rodrigues, Kellie Hataway, Nikki Drinkard, Tony Mason, Keely Rodrigues, Jacob Rodrigues and Teagan Rodrigues. His Great grandchildren are Lawson, Mason, Olivia Drinkard and Taylor Grace Mason.
Of his siblings, Ernest is preceded in death by his brother, Curtis “Doc” Rodrigues. He is survived by sisters, Betty Broome, Patsy McLendon, Beverly Sumner, Rose Sparks, Glenva Bradford and brothers, James “Rabbit” Rodrigues, Aubrey Rodrigues, Fred Remedies and Richard Bruce.
Ernest remarried on July 28, 2013 to Joy Wester Rodrigues. The couple lived together for five years until Joy’s recent passing on December 30, 2018. The couple enjoyed traveling around the United States and visiting family in Alaska, Alabama, Texas and Mississippi. When in Many they would often be found at the lake house or attending St. John’s Catholic Church and Alford Heights Baptist Church. Ernest is survived by stepsons, Sean and Loretta Wester of New Orleans, and Jason and Nina Wester of San Antonio, Texas. He also had a very large group of cousins, nieces and nephews not to mention a loving extended family that he cherished one and all.
Ernest will be remembered as a story telling, fun loving, hardcore Marine who brightened many different peoples lives in a variety of ways. He seemed to know everyone. It is widely known that he loved to visit friends and meet new people. He often did so while buying their lunch or bringing them food.
The feather that prominently stuck out of his Marine Corps cap was there to remember two of his uncles that died on foreign soil while serving their country. The ministry of his handmade wooden crosses was a simple way of reminding people of the Lord’s gift to all.
Funeral services were held on January 11 at St. John’s Catholic Church with Father Frances Kamau and Brother Wayne Chance officiating. Burial followed at the Catholic Cemetery in Many.
The Rodrigues family would like to extend our gratitude to all the people who have reached out during this time with their attentiveness and loving care. It has truly been inspirational listening to the shared stories of those that knew him.
Pallbearers were Chris Alford, Roy “Teti” Horn, Anthony Brocato, Sean Wester, Steven Rodrigues, Jacob Rodrigues, Tony Mason and Ryan Rodrigues.
Honorary pallbearers were Tony Garner, Russell Lytle, Gay McNutt, Dane Clayton, Keith McLendon, Ken Cummings, Red Colston, Christopher Rodrigues, Shane Kennedy and Jason Wester.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Ernest’s name to the charity of your choice.