Ezekiel (Zeke) P. Rodriguez

Dodge City - Ezekiel (Zeke) P. Rodriguez, 86, died December 19, 2017 in Dodge City, Kansas.  He was born on April 14, 1931 at the Mexican Village in Dodge City, Kansas the son of Calletano and Rafaela P. Rodriguez.

Ezekiel entered into his heavenly reward where he was reunited with his wife Jessie T. Rodriguez, who preceded him in death.  They were married in 1971.

Ezekiel attended school in the Mexican Village and lived an adventurous life. He was a veteran who loved his country; serving 10 years in three different branches of the military. He served the US Army in which he received medals for his service of Occupy Germany and National Defense.  He served in the US Air Force as an Air Police. He also served in the US Coastguard in which his duties included steership and gun crew.  Ezekiel traveled the world while he was in the military and lived in France, Germany, Guam, Hawaii and Japan.

He was a member of the VFW and the Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

Ezekiel retired from Santa Fe Railroad where he worked on the maintenance of the diesel engines. He also retired from Union Pacific Railroad and Rock Island Railroad where he worked maintenance on the tracks.

Ezekiel was the kind of person who would leave a lasting impression on whoever he met. He was loving to all and loved by all.  He left great memories with everyone who knew him and his smile would light up a room.

Ezekiel is survived by his sister, Rita Rodriguez of Dodge City; and his brothers, David Rodriguez of Illinois, Gonzalo Rodriguez of Kansas City, and Maurice Rodriguez of California. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Jessie T. Rodriguez; his step son Joe Montez; three sisters, Irene Garcia, Nina Rodriguez, and Mary Cervantes; and two brothers, Salvador and Cecilio Rodriguez.

Funeral mass will be held at Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Dodge City on Thursday, December 28, 2017 at 10:00 AM with Rev. Wesley Schawe presiding.  Burial will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery in Dodge City.  Visitation will be at Swaim Funeral Chapel in Dodge City on Wednesday, December 27, 2017 from 12:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Vigil service will also be held at Swaim Funeral Chapel on Wednesday, December 27, 2017 at 7:00 PM. Memorials are suggested to VFW of Dodge City or Hospice of the Prairie in care of the funeral home.  Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guest book at www.swaimfuneralhome.com.