JOE A. RODRIGUEZ "JUNIOR", 59, passed away on Saturday, May 20, 2017 surrounded by his family. He was born on January 2, 1958 in Las Cruces, NM to Jose and Justina Rodriguez. "Junior" as he was fondly known to family and friends served his country honorably in the U.S. Navy from 1978-1981 and was deployed overseas twice. He retired after 35 years of Federal civilian service contributed to the Department of Defense which included the mission fulfillment of the 96th Test Group. Junior was a hero in many more ways than one, his words of wisdom over the years could write a novel that would be worth millions. His humbleness was to the core, his generosity endless and his strength was limitless. He was the best cook. He LOVED being in the mountains and developed a love for fast pitch softball and played for many years; claimed Regional Champions title and even made it to Nationals in Dallas, TX with his team-who became a second family to him. Family was everything to him. Junior was a hard-working man, he would put 110% into everything he did. He was loved by so many and will be greatly missed. The memories he left behind will forever be cherished and his legacy will live on forever through the hearts of his loved ones. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jose and Justina Rodriguez. Survivors include his beloved wife, Teresa Rodriguez and their 3 children, Deandra and her fiancé Marcos Ramirez, Evarista "Evie", and Jose "Pepe" all whom he adored and loved dearly; his 2 beautiful grandchildren, Aden and Elianna who were his world; his siblings and their spouses, Tomas and Bea Rodriquez, Gloria and Mando Rodriguez, Elena and Calvin Bagley, Grace and Terri Barnes, Alfredo and Minerva Rodriguez, Ana and Chuck Webster, Cindy and Chris Coats, and Robert and Becky Rodriguez; as well as many close friends and additional relatives whom he also adored.Recitation of the Holy Rosary will begin at 10 AM Monday, June 5, 2017 in St. Genevieve's Catholic Church, 100 S. Espina with the Memorial Mass to follow immediately thereafter. Inurnment of Cremains will follow in Masonic Cemetery, 760 S. Compress with military honors accorded by a US Navy Honor Guard and the Marine Corps League – El Perro Diablo Detachment. Fellowship and Refreshments will follow at the Elks Lodge, 3000 Elks Drive after the services. Pallbearers will be Jose Rodriguez, Tomas Rodriquez, Alfredo Rodriguez, Robert Rodriguez, Eddie Ray Telles, Michael Sanchez, and Sam Sanchez. Honorary pallbearers will be Marcos Ramirez, Tommy 'Pumpkin' Rodriquez, and Orlando Rodriquez.Entrusted to the Baca's Funeral Chapels of Las Cruces, 527-2222 Your exclusive providers for "Veterans and Family Memorial Care." For online condolences logon to www.bacasfuneralchapelslascruces.com