SSG (Ret) Julian Rodriguez

Julian Rodriguez, son of the late Marshall Rea and Remija Rodriguez Rea, was born January 16, 1933 in Littleton, Colorado. Rod, as he was known by his family and friends, entered the United States Air Force and served his country faithfully until his retirement in 1968. He had attained the rank of Staff Sergeant and served in Vietnam. For his faithful service, Rod earned several awards and commendations; some of which included: Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal w/1 Bronze Service Star, National Defense Service Medal w/1 Bronze Service Star, and Air and Space Longevity Service Award w/4 Oak Leaf Clusters. Rod was united in marriage to Betty Smallridge. They were blessed with two children: Roderick and Kimberly and shared many wonderful memories before Betty preceded Rod in death in February 2009. Rod was united in marriage to Katherine Halbert and they shared several years together until her passing in September 2022. Early in Rod’s life, he had made a profession of faith and was baptized. After retiring from the military, he entered into full time ministry as a pastor and pastored at various churches in Kentucky, Ohio, and Missouri. Even after he couldn’t physically pastor a church any longer, he continued to be a minister of the gospel even at the Missouri Veterans Home where he was a resident. On Saturday, March 9, 2024 in the Missouri Veterans Home in St. James, Missouri, Rod went home to be with his Lord having attained the age of 91 years. He will be sadly missed, but fondly remembered by all those that knew and loved him. Rod leaves to cherish his memory, his two children: Roderick Rodriguez (April) of Waynesville, MO and Kimberly Pinkston (Mike) of Greenville, SC; four grandchildren: Caleb Rodriguez (Morgan) of Springfield, MO, Alex Rodriguez of Springfield, MO, Emily Van Meter of Williamstown, KY, and Jessica Pinkston of Greenville, SC; several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Even though he is gone from our sight, Rod’s faithfulness to his Lord will live on in our hearts forever. Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, March 17, 2024 in the Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville/St. Robert with Pastor Richard Breeden officiating. The songs “It Is Well with My Soul” and “How Great Thou Art” were played. Serving as escorts were Tom Julian, Jr., John Snider, Ted Ross, Ray Morgan, Caleb Rodriguez, and Alex Rodriguez. Burial with military honors followed in the Sunset Memorial Estates Cemetery of Waynesville, Missouri. Military honors were provided by the United States Air Force. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Rod Rodriguez to the Waynesville/St. Robert Senior Center and may be left at Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville/St. Robert.

SSG (Ret) Julian Rodriguez

January 16, 1933 - March 9, 2024