Raúl Rodríguez

Raúl Rodríguez

April 5, 1932 – November 30, 2020

Raúl Rodríguez, 88, of Kansas City, MO, fell asleep in the hope of the soon coming of his Lord and Savior on November 30, 2020, at AdventHealth Shawnee Mission. The family plans a cremation burial followed by a private ceremony in the coming weeks.

Raúl was born in Jerécuaro, Guanajuato, México to José and Julia Rodríguez. He left his family’s farm in México at the age of 12 to leave poverty and pursue a better way of life. He was a migrant worker in the fields harvesting cotton, fruits, and vegetables. It was during this time that he learned his strong work ethic and leadership, in which he was very proud.

Raúl married Purificación González of Santa Isabel, Guanajuato, México, on June 20, 1952, and they raised 12 children. Raúl and Purificación were married for 68 years. In 1981, they emigrated from Mexicali, Baja California, México to Oregon, Pennsylvania, Kansas, and finally ending up in the Westside of Kansas City, MO in pursuit of their dream of a better life. He was employed by the Hyatt Regency Hotel for many years and received numerous awards for attendance and dedication to service.

Raúl was known for his resilience in adversity, bravery, strong work ethic, and not being scared of anything or anyone. He enjoyed playing all the positions in baseball, especially shortstop, listening to the music of José Alfredo Jiménez, and travelling to different areas of México to visit family. He was a member of the Latin-America Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Church.

He is survived by his wife Purificación of Kansas City, MO; siblings Concho Rodríguez of Jerécuaro, Guanajuato, México, María Chico of Georgetown, TX; children Leonor Rodríguez of Puerto Peñasco, Sonora, México, Cristina Rodríguez of Kansas City, MO, Jorge Rodríguez of South Glens Falls, NY, Raúl Rodríguez Jr. of Austin, TX, Juan Rodríguez of Overland Park, KS, José Rodríguez of Mexicali, Baja California, México, Gloría Hayward of Lenexa, KS, Carmen Rodríguez of Kansas City, KS, Carolina Rodríguez of Kansas City, MO, Silvia Mora of Kansas City, KS, Carlos Rodríguez of Platte Woods, MO, Elena Rodríguez of Gladstone, MO; 28 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; and 1 great, great-grandchild.

He was preceded in death by his parents, 4 sisters, and 3 brothers.

Raúl will be missed, but his presence will forever be in our hearts. “I’m not scared of anyone!”