The Texas Department of Criminal Justice is grieving the loss of an employee that is related to the COVID-19 virus. Armando Rodriguez, 78, Clerk I at the Fort Stockton Unit, died from complications of COVID-19 on Jan. 16, 2022. 

Mr. Rodriguez began his career with the state when he went to work for the Windham School District in February 2004. In November 2005, he began working for the Texas Department of Criminal Justice as a clerk in the Fort Stockton, Texas, count room. In October 2013, he was promoted to a Case Manager III. He held this position until he resumed responsibilities as a clerk in February 2014, a position he held until his death.

Mr. Rodriguez was an employee of Fort Stockton ISD before his employment with the state of Texas. He was a teacher, coach, counselor, and principal who touched many lives throughout the community. He was a mentor to many students before they began their careers with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.

“Mr. Rodriguez was a dedicated employee of TDCJ, and his service will not be forgotten,” said TDCJ Executive Director Bryan Collier. “His role was an asset to the agency, and we extend our heartfelt sympathy to his family, friends, co-workers and the many people whose lives he touched over the years in the Fort Stockton area.”

Correctional Institutions Division Director Bobby Lumpkin said, “Mr. Rodriguez was known to many of the staff at the Fort Stockton Unit and Lynaugh Unit who recall him teaching and mentoring them as students and correctional professionals. His absence will be felt, and we grieve along with his family and friends.”

The Texas Department of Criminal Justice has had 76 employees die in connection with the COVID-19 pandemic.

He was a lifelong resident of Fort Stockton. He was born on Dec. 14, 1943, to Felix and Margarita Rodriguez. 

He is survived by his wife Delma Rodriguez from Fort Stockton; daughter Monique Rodriguez from Huntsville, Texas; son Andrew Rodriguez and daughter-in -aw Kelsey and their two children Ezekiel and Adelena from Leander, Texas; brothers David Rodriguez and his wife Nancy from San Antonio, Texas, and Abelardo Rodriguez and his wife Terry from El Paso, Texas. 

He was proceeded in death by his parents, and his sister Alicia Rodriguez. 

Thank you to the Heritage Funeral Home of the Big Bend in Fort Stockton. 

The family of Armando Rodriguez wishes to extend sincere thanks to all our friends and family who have reached out during this time of mourning. 

Revelation 21:4, “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”

Arrangements were entrusted to Heritage Funeral Home of the Big Bend in Fort Stockton. If you would like to send your condolences to the family, you may do so by signing his guestbook at heritagefuneralhomeofthebigbend.com.