1923
Johnny
2016
Johnny Rodriguez
May 16, 1923 — September 5, 2016
Johnny Martinez Rodriguez, 93, loving father, grandfather and great grandfather, passed away Monday, September 5, 2016. Johnny was a long-time resident of the Kansas City area having relocated here from Wichita, Kansas.
Johnny was born on May 16, 1923 in Gary, Indiana to George Rodriguez and Maria (Martinez) Rodriguez.
Johnny proudly served in World War II as part of the 21st Infantry Division, receiving a Purple Heart, several service medals and 2 bronze stars. After his service he went on to work many years in the retail clothing, tailoring and dry cleaning businesses both in Wichita and Kansas City. He enjoyed the games of baseball and softball and coached many youth teams in the Merriam and Shawnee areas in the 1960s and 70s. Music was a large part of Johnny’s life and he conducted and played in many bands and combos. He enjoyed performing and bringing happiness to people through his music.
He was preceded in death by his parents; six brothers; three sisters and son-in-law James Campbell, Jr.. Survivors include children, Carrlyn Miller of Austin, TX, Jann Childers of Orlando, FL, Jon Rodriguez of Wichita, KS, Kim Nixon of Wichita, KS, Michelle Campbell of Olathe, KS, Melanie Rodriguez of Raytown, MO and Alicia Weber of Olathe, KS; his former wife Nancy Bennett Larson of Olathe, KS; sisters Teresa (Ray) Gonzalez of Newton, KS; Cruz Scott of Derby, KS and Rebecca Riley of Las Vegas, NV; 17 grandchildren and five great grandchildren.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Mark’s Catholic Church, 3736 S. Lee’s Summit Rd, Independence, MO on Thursday, September 8, 2016 at 10:00 a.m., immediately preceded by a visitation beginning at 9:30 a.m. Interment will follow at Leavenworth National Cemetary.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Veterans’ Administration, Attn: Voluntary Service, 4801 Linwood Blvd., Kansas City, MO 64128 or St. Mark’s Catholic Church.
Johnny was born on May 16, 1923 in Gary, Indiana to George Rodriguez and Maria (Martinez) Rodriguez.
Johnny proudly served in World War II as part of the 21st Infantry Division, receiving a Purple Heart, several service medals and 2 bronze stars. After his service he went on to work many years in the retail clothing, tailoring and dry cleaning businesses both in Wichita and Kansas City. He enjoyed the games of baseball and softball and coached many youth teams in the Merriam and Shawnee areas in the 1960s and 70s. Music was a large part of Johnny’s life and he conducted and played in many bands and combos. He enjoyed performing and bringing happiness to people through his music.
He was preceded in death by his parents; six brothers; three sisters and son-in-law James Campbell, Jr.. Survivors include children, Carrlyn Miller of Austin, TX, Jann Childers of Orlando, FL, Jon Rodriguez of Wichita, KS, Kim Nixon of Wichita, KS, Michelle Campbell of Olathe, KS, Melanie Rodriguez of Raytown, MO and Alicia Weber of Olathe, KS; his former wife Nancy Bennett Larson of Olathe, KS; sisters Teresa (Ray) Gonzalez of Newton, KS; Cruz Scott of Derby, KS and Rebecca Riley of Las Vegas, NV; 17 grandchildren and five great grandchildren.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Mark’s Catholic Church, 3736 S. Lee’s Summit Rd, Independence, MO on Thursday, September 8, 2016 at 10:00 a.m., immediately preceded by a visitation beginning at 9:30 a.m. Interment will follow at Leavenworth National Cemetary.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Veterans’ Administration, Attn: Voluntary Service, 4801 Linwood Blvd., Kansas City, MO 64128 or St. Mark’s Catholic Church.
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